davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1881-02-05
The FALSE ALARM.

The false alarm yesterday, OF an imagin-
ary break in the north levee, served to
point the truth so frequently insisted on
by the RECORD UNION, that no degree OF
security short of absolute impregnability
can suffice to put Sacramento beyond ap-
prehension. The levees at the present
time are undoubtedly sound and firm.
There is every reason to expect that they
will Withstand whatever pressure may be
put upon them. The Trustees are vigilant,
and precautions have been taken and pre-
partitions made against all possible contin-
aencies. But for all this it must be remem-
bered that the burnt child breads the fire.
Those who have seen the levees break once
are hard to convince that what has hap
pened may not happen again. And it.
must be realized that false alarms of this
kind are only less injurious to the reputa
ton of the city than genuine disasters, for
the outside world argues that if the people
who live here have so little confidence
in their defenses, the latter cannot
be very substantial. Now it IL great
deal safer and better to be too cautious
than not to be cautious enough, and it is
wiser to make our defenseg even extrava-
gantly strong than to allow it to be be-
lieved by any part of the community that
they are not strong enough. Moreover,
when, as at present, the rivers are higher
than they have ever been, many people
will reason that, though the levees might
have been strong enough for ordinary
floods, there is no saying how they will
resist this abnormal pressure. This kind
of talk may be unjustifable, but for all
that it has its effect, and every wave of
apprehension that passes over the commu-
nifty inficts positive injury upon the ma
terial interests of the city. 1t is therefore
the part of common prudence and business
sagacity to adopt such measures as shall
advertise to the world at large that
| Sacramento is determined to make her.
self as safe as engineering science and
| liberal expenditures can fehaer her, ana
that she proposes to carry out levee sys-
TEN which, when completed, will bid ab-
solute and unconditional defiance to floods.
This is the policy upon which the
Board of Trade have very seasonably
agreed, and it must be seen to that this
policy is not abandoned when the danger
is over, but that it is carried out to the
letter. 1t is idle to complain that many
people are foolish and panicky. Whether
they are or not it is the opinion of such
people that makes or ruins the reputation
of cities, and the only way to avoid the
serious evils which result from fears of this
kind is to make it plain to the meanest
capacity that there is no ground what
ever for apprehension.
Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1881-02-05

days. Photography cannot command the
price at which it formerly more than held
It's own, partly owing to sharp eompe-
tition. partly 10 the reduction IN
all lines of business. l was shown
some very good cabinets, bust pictures,
at 81 per dozen, and full length at 50 per
dozen, though dearer houses yet ask 81, IS
and $40, maybe for no better work. The
firm of designers and engravers on wood,
doing business in the name Of Eleanor L.
Gibbons & Co., is on the eve of retiring
from its work, the care Of an aged mother
calling Miss Gibbons, the principal lady,
from a business she has prosecuted with
devoted attention. The sion " Engrayer
on Wood is quite frequent with us. But
few women have engaged IN the work here,
the retirement of this firm leaving
BUT ONE LADY
In the business, whose name this moment
escapes me, but whose Office is in st. AIMS
building. Some years ago three enterprising
lady students from Cooper Institute, New
York, opened business here under the name
of Crane & Curtis, purposing designing and
wood engraving, and as they had received
certain part Of their education without
cost, they desired to help other women
and take them under free instruction.
Miss Gibbons was student with them,
afterward studying il New York. Miss
Abbie Crane returned to the East,
and the Misses Curtis married, Miss Leila,
the prime business manager ana skilled en-
graver, and Miss Mary the designer, whose
fingers and delicate fancy wrought lovely
designs. Miss Gibbons IN part succeeded
to these ladies. Mrs. Richardson, nee
Miss Mary Curtis, of whose charming work
I have several times spoken, opened astudio
in painting, since closed, and up to the
present time has been SO active in poree-
lain, panel and plaquedesigns that, asan art
dealer enthusiastically remarked, = No one
here can touch her IN her line" She eX-
GELS in figure subjects, and recently put the
finishing touch to q most graceful study-a
lady in delicate pink draperies, with arm
upstretched to pluck rose. Mrs. Rich.
ardson has just gone East to devote herself
to study, purposing first to visit many stu
/ dos Of note IN different paris Of that far
country, no doubt being under the we'll
chosen advice of Benoni Irwin, formerly a
resident with u.s. but after some years of
residence in Paris deciding to mix his col
ors in Boston, where art is better patron
lied than it is here. KATE HEATH,
Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1881-02-05

THE VAGARIEs OF LUNATIcs. Con
versing few evenings since with a witty
prelate who had been in attendance at the
Triennial General Convention OF the Epis-
copal Church. allusion was made to the
curious vaearies that are manifested by the
inmates of our lunatic asylums. In his
capacity of visitor of one of these institu-
tions, he encountered on pleasant morn
ing in of the walks in which the poor pa
tients are permitted pedestrian exercise an
elderly person who at different times
claimed to be parsonage of historical re-
nown. "Good morning, sir, said the
visitor. "Pray, whom have the pleasure
of addressing this morning ?" Sir, lam Mo-
ses the Lawgiver, was the dignified reply.
At the next visit the same question was re-
peated, and the answer was, 81, sir, am
the Emperor Napoleon" "Ah, indeed
but it was only last week you told me you
were Moses the Lawgiver." "That is true,
sir" was the calm response; a" but that
was by another mother. - Harper's.
Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1881-02-05
The LEvEEs.

During time like the present nothing
can satisfy public sentiment but the
prompt stoppage of every loop-hole through
which danger can enter. A careful
reconnaissance of the levees made yesterday
afternoon shows that the north levee is in
perfect condition to within three miles of
Brighton. On the remainder of it the
embankment is thinner than elsewhere,
there is considerable water outside, with
a strong current, and the gopher holes are
numerous. The farmers who live in the
neighborhood express the opinion that
most of the gophers have been drowned
out by this time, but the holes are there.
and liable to give trouble unless closely
and constantly watched. 1t has been the
practice to poison these little pests every
autumn, but it appears that last fall this
was not DONE OF course it is as
necessary to protect the levee up
to Brighton as any part nearer the city,
and it does not require to be said that the
weakest point in levee gauges the &C
tual strength of the whole structure.
Dealing with gopher holes is business
which neutrality-suspicious. moreover.
1t cannot be done by men who have never
had any experience in it, no matter how
energetic they are. Such men are liable
to do more mischief than they cure, and
therefore experienced persons ought to be
placed on this part Of the levee. Perhaps
there is no danger, but prevention is al
ways better than cure, and certainly the
public are not disposed to make allowance
at this moment for anything that looks
like neglect or Indifference. The need
of constant watchfulness when the chief
danger is to be apprehended from the
borrowings of gophers is self-evident,
for it has been found repeatedly that
the mischief caused in this way in very
short time becomes irreparable if help, and
skilled help, is not at hand the moment it
is discovered The whole of the north
levee, and particularly the Brighton end of
it, ought to be examined every hour
throughout, until the water goes down, and
the patrol should be large enough to permit
of such a change of watches as viii insure
the thorough performance of this duty.
It is possible that this has been already at
tended to, but in any case no harm can be
done by calling the attention of the Trus.
tees to the vital Importance of guarding
and strengthening whatever places in the
levee are capable Of being suspected OF
weakness.
Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1881-02-05
PROFESSIONALLY

The WEEKLY Ux1oS is, for all farmers, miners,
mechanics, business and professional men, and for
ali who desire news, reading matter, and choice
literary selections and original articles, the best
paper on the coast to-day. 1t is Issued twice each
week. Each part consists If eight pages. In each
number are editorials OF the highest character on
topics Of the day; poetry fiction, scientific, art az
rcultural sporting and household articles letters
from regular home aud foreign correspondents
market reports, stock quotations; local, religious,
mining, foreign, home, dramatic, mechanical and
legislative news, with clippings from the best ex
changes of the land. The WEEKLY UEIoS is mailed
for p so per year to any address.
Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1881-02-05

of these gentlemen are above suspicion,
and yet they fatty contradict one another,
and this on points which to the outside
observer seem to be sheer matters of fact,
susceptible of the clearest demonstration.
In effect the Ponca case has become deep
mystery, and we can only suspend judg-
ment upon it while awaiting more light.
Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1881-02-05
THE STATE DETECTIVE BILL.

The Assembly Judiciary Committee has
reported back the bill to establish State
detective force, with amendments, and has
recommended its passage. The amend
ments consist in striking out the clauses
authorizing the Chief to call upon Sheriffs
and other peace officers for assistance, con.
fining the expenses of the force to the an
nual appropriation, and prohibiting men,
bers of 1T from accepting rewards. The
amendment first named does not strike us
as good one. Circumstances are liable to
arise at any time rendering it necessary for
the Chief to call upon Sherifs, ETC., for as
sistance, the alternative being the defeat of
justice. As, moreover. the State Detective
Force is primarily intended to supplement
the efforts of the regular peace officers, it
seems strange 10 propose such a restriction.
The amendments, however, do not destroy
the efficiency of the bill, and if no
better conditions can be had it should be
passed as it comes from the committee
Certainly the members from the mining
and mountain counties generally ought to
support the measure earnestly, for upon
its passage depends the question whether
many points in those districts shall here
after enjoy regular communication with
the rest Of the State. So long as high
waymen are permitted to roam at large in
the mountains, and to rob stages without
restraint, it must be expected that the
stage and express companies will decline
TO maintain their lines over the troubled
regions, and that the people there will
have to depend entirely upon their own
resources, not only for travel, but for the
transmission OF mail and treasure.
Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1881-02-05
the undertaking. But the inhabitants of

the undertaking. But the inhabitants of
this valley must expect to bear the prin-
cipal weight of projection and organiza-
ton, and they cannot afford to let the grass
grow under their feet.
The river must be Strengthened and deep
ened, Sloughs and channels which at
present only weaken the current must be
closed. Lsvees must be raised to confine
the current wherever necessary. Measures
must be taken to remove bars which
check the current. The river must be
eased and strengthened and made to do
more work, and then, but not till then,
will the farmers be enabled to protect their
land and pasture their cattle without fear
and without danger. And whatever Is
done must be done under one general man
agement and on one comprehensive plan.
There must be no more independent or
antagonistic levee systems each for itself
and against its neighbor. The whole line
must be constructed with the object OF
protecting the whole line, and not one par
ticular part in it. Unless this policy Is
henceforth pursued there is no future for
any lands in this valley which are capable
of being flooded, and it is as well that this
fact should be realized at once. The farm
ers, therefore, should proceed to organize
for mutual aid throughout the valley. The
river island proprietors are as much inter
ested as anyone, of course. But what is
needed is that the absolute necessity Of
the completion of the engineering work
now begun be impressed upon the Legisla-
ture, and the ruinous consequences of in
terfering with the prosecution of these
works.
These works will have to be carried out
in any event, if the Sacramento valley is
to be habitable twenty years hence. Sc
far as the residents of the valley are con.
cernetl it is not mere question of policy
any more than tits mere question of pol
icy whether this city shall be leveed OIL
not. The river mast be improved and
corrected, or it will in few years be
come impossible to occupy or cultivate
the country through which it flows
Therefore the property-owners of the val
ley must see that it is incumbent on then
to urge these measures with all their forc'
and persistence, and to employ unhesi
tatingly whatever influences they cal
bring to bear upon the judgment of thos
with whom the determination of the ques
ton at present rests. We are in the pc
sition of patient over whose condition
medical consultation has been held. TIL
doctors agree in saying that the diseas
from which the patient suffers must speed
lily kill him if nothing is done for him bu
at the same time they point ont cours
of treatment, the adoption of which the.
assert will restore him to even more thai
his former health. The question is, shall
this system of treatment be adopted? l
it is, the Sacramento valley will be safe
If it is not, those who are responsible 70
the future will be held to strict account
ability for all that it involves, and wha
that is we have here endeavored to show
Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1881-02-05
san FRANCISCO rTgMs.

From San Francisco exchanges OF February Attn. ]
The Street Department has forty men
aud fifteen carts engaged in repairing the
breaks in the sewers.
The Bank of California will ship large
quantity of Mexican dollars to Hongkong
on the next outgoing China steamer.
The resources of the incorporated COM
meroial banks of San Francisco for January
l, 1881, as reported by the Commissioners,
foot up S47, 906 90l.
Our merchandise and produce exports by
sea last month amounted to 81, l5S. 900, the
largest in the annals of the port. The total
for the same month last year was ST.
002. 600.
No wheat vessels were cleared from this
poIt On the LIST or I'd instant 1t is
rare that two days have passed without a
wheat clearance during the past three
months.
Last night at about a quarter to 10 o'clock
large and brilliant meteor passed over
the city, moving in a northwesterly direc-
ton. 1t was pale green in color aud ap-
parently descended in the waters of the
ocean beyond the Golden Gate.
A verdict of accidental death was rem
dered by Coroners jury yesterday after
noon in the case of Zacharias Adelsdofer,
whose body was recovered from the bay off
the swimming baths at North Beach on
Tuesday morning last.
William Smith Eastman, IA years of age,
whose parents reside in this city, was killed
in the Dewey & Bert mine, Placer county,
yesterday morning, and the body was
brought to this city by State Senator Bert.
Death was caused by rock falling upon
him, breaking leg and arm and fractur.
ing his skull.
Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1881-02-05

IL 1861, when diphtheria ragged in the
Chenango Valley, N Y, DR.. Trask's Mag
netic Ointment was relied upon by ply sicisns
as the principal remedy. 1t is positive cure
for ordinary sore throat
Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1881-02-05

The Sun RECORDING IT'S OwN BRILL
IANCY.-An instrument for recording the
intensity and duration of sunshine was de-
vised as early as 1856 by j. F. Campbell,
of England but it has never, until quite
recently, been made thoroughly practical
and reliable. Still, even in its imperfect
form, it has been made to do duty for sew
eral years at Greenwich and Kew, and
several private observatories in England.
The instrument consists Of an ordinary
50 burning glass;" or lens, the focus Of
which is made to keep its place on con-
stantly moving strip of paper. The mani
fest difficulty of properly adjusting the
complicated movements involved in such
work has only quite recently been fully
overcome by the genius and patience of
Professor Stokes, of England, whose i'm
proved instrument has recently been set up
in some thirty stations in the British Isles.
We are not advised as to whether the in
strument has been introduced into this
country but if it will do what it is cred
tied with, it must soon become part of
the ordinary equipment OF every mete
geological station in the world /; for by it
we may in time obtain sufficient record
of meteorological element Of primary i'm
portance in its relations to agriculture and
to the public health, but which has hereto
fore been very imperfectly registered.
Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1881-02-05
ARIZONA DIVORCE

And subsequent marriage to Miss Carpen-
ter, niece to Tom Fitch, erst Tom Fitch,
the Great. Mrs. Smiths spicy fight,
which resulted in the passage of bill cali
ing for alimony without divorce, will not
SO soon be forgotten By the legislators
whom she won over to her views upon the
subject. 1t is related that she met the
doctor upon the street one day, and in ref
erence to his marriage with Anne Carpen-
ter having been declared null, she asked,
smilingly, well, married again yet p
He answered in half-melancholy, 81 never
shall marry again, Dora. Her hair took
on a deeper tinge OF auburn as she re-
torted, Never, indeed, while l live q
and it may be this threatening attitude
which has determined The handsome oculist
to leave the State. The little boy, named
" Lars, presumably for Lars Anderson, is
beautiful little fellow, with large dark
eyes and fine features, and is a fine photo
graphic subject, studies of him having been
recently made by both Morse and Taber, The
photograph business is strangely up and
down, to Judge from the houses that come
into prominence only to sink again and
give place to newer firms. There was
Vance and Bradley & Rulofson and VIM.
Shew and Morse and Houseworth and
Taber and Watkins, dwindling off with
such fancy names as Elite and Elaine and
Aldine, each having their day, only to be
displaced by and by by some one else. It
has been the same with photograph color
ers. The first lady knew anything about
was Miss Romanes, and that was nearly
twenty years ago. Then there was Mi's
Benedict and Miss Martence and Mis-
Henderson now Mrs. Hossackl and Miss
Fox and Miss Stevens and Mrs. Eastman,
and, largest worker of all, Mrs. Reynolds.
This does not take account of the hochs
and MOBILES and Kunaths who are repre-
sentative among the gentlemen. The ladies
doing coloring for galleries at present are
Mrs. Carruthers, Miss Buckman and Mrs.
Preble, though large number take private
work or open studios OF their OVID, hun
dreds of people being content with
DAUBING
OF paint, without realizing or approaching
the artistic touches which the experienced
eye and hand create I do not wish, how
ever, to intimate that the private work is
necessarily bad work, a fair average of it
being good. Two ladies l have known as
retouchers of negatives, Miss Judy and
Miss Martinez, the latter lady having mar
ried into private life within the last few
Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1881-02-05

HUNDREDS testify of the benefits received
from Rock and Rye. G. w. Chesley, agent.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-11-18
THE NEW FRENCH MINISTRY.

LoNpoN. Nov. 17.-Parb correspondents state
that the appointment II W. Paul Best Minister of
Worship w.l a- Minister Of Public Instruction, has
created q Ncr bal impression. The permanent official
who has hitherto managed tn Department OF Worship
has already rcslucI aud others expected 20 follow
NJ Hbot d.ri toicau member " the Chamber OF Dcpu-
tr7 viii .horIy utcrpcatc the Government the sub
icct, and a stirring debate is expected
The Pdr, puudcUt of lie Im"s says the exports
of Articles or food from France steadily increasing
while the im"prIs INTO Franco aro diminishing The
Same -uoulsu credits tur tate Ministry with bring
iu- up 'he cost OF the Iunis expedition to nearly
S-.gUU,OuO
IN U, Chamber of Deputies to-day, VT Roche ~ the
FNtrCnc I.ff Introduced n pro IosnE -c,u.IrEatul
81 tGc prop -fF OF religions orders aud the cdihccs ot
-ouUar.r. I coustutIr-, and complete separation Of
lMu.cn nm tL.-r.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-11-18
THE REICHSTAG OPENED.

PRINCE BIsMARCK's ECONOMIC SCHEMES RECON-
MENDED ~ TIE IMPERIAL SPEECH.
BERLIN, Nov. 1.-THE session of the new Reich
stag was opened to-day. The Emperor, acting on
the advice of his physicians did not open the Reich
stag IN person. Prince Bismarck, after conveying
the excuses of his Majesty for his absence read the
speech from the throne which is i'm effect follows
The speech declares with regard to foreign affairs that
al no e turing the last ten years could the mainte
nance Gt peace be anticipated SO confidently at pres
ent Ihe meetings at Gasein and Dantzc were the ex
precision the close personal and political relations be-
tween ne s"ycrcgns and their empires The confidence
thuH existing between the three Imperial Courts ia
tuSlWoiUE guarantee OF peace, which Is the identical
Concerning in crua'ionaI affairs the spcccn states the
economic policy Of the Government 10 reforms in the
system OF taxation hitherto pursued will De strictly ad
hered TO- stress - laid on the necessity that provision
be made by the state for invalid woTkmcn.
The Emperor the budget shows gratifying results
these: For the incorporation of Hamburg the Zolvc-
rein, Tor quldrcnnal paramenis Tor biennial budgets
the liquor tax.
The Empcrors speech cmphaticalv points ont that
g thl ,,,rli,, cl's.,s f,' ,,,orp Nv, bc viii i"o
back Gl his successes with greater satisfaction he
d. uCaib 20 tIC f1hrrllud and lasting guarantees
Tor continuous peace 40 home, ad 10 the hecrshtous
more secure ami generous OF that to
which they hHF, claim.
Atamoiucut wicn matters connected with internal
Institutions present faI-r, aching Hud difficult problems
the solution of which Is not ~ he mastered in single
session the Emperor riorrs The more to be able 10 ex-
press his rutr, satisfaction with the state of foreign
politics. The speech concludes follows: Our rcla-
ton, with an tIr other powers most friendly. Belief
iu GrrWtuy7 LOYAL and sincere d,, sire for peace mas
gained hold with cvarg nation Wc regard il q duty
~ God lud The thcrlGd strengthen and justify that
faith"
". SAM. q contributor to the FrU,kfvtr Zciiaag,
has been condemned 10 one month, Imprisonment
for lbclIiug Prince Bismarck.
III, D,uy Ndrj, dispatch from Berlin says:
The Emperor, speech has created much surprise.
Tho Liberals disappointed at h. utterly ignoring the
.lU4F. .| fIEfl Id.
Government taken TIM mode OF declaring what Is
CousIGcTcd war To- the knife.