Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1886-01-01
THE YEAR AT HOME.


The year 1884 in our own State was
marked but by few important events. Per-
haps not one stands forward with such
prominence. or occupies so lofty position
among all the schemes of men, as the
splendid educational endowment CT Gov
ernor and Mrs. Stanford 1t is unques-
tio1sbly the chiefest among generous gifts
fer The benefit Of mankind, and the most
distinguished Of wisely and carefully be-
slowed benefactions. 1t has its supple
ment also in the generous intentions of Mrs.
Stanford to devote a considerable portion
of wealth to the erection and equipping of
a museum for the city EFF San Francisco
These thoughtful and discriminating bene-
factions have been accompanied by those
of other citizens Of wealth, such as the
gifts of Messrs. Charles Croker and James
G. Fair, and the late William Sharon for
public benefit and deserving institutions.
Sacramento was SO favored within the
year as to be made the beneficiary of a
gift of rare and great value by the noble
generosity of Mrs. Z. B. Croker, who
transferred to the municipality the mag
nifcent collection of paintings in and the
building known as the E. B. Croker Art
Gallery. 1t was stipulated only that the
California Museum Association might oc-
cupy the building and enjoy it for the
purpose of its educational work, and that
the management of the property should be
joint between the city and the Associa-
ton. Thus there was given to the people
in the most unselfish manner half a
million of value in the form of an institu.
ton of refining and elevating influence
In commercial and industrial lines
the year in California was one of
general depression, but the people
have borne up under it with courage
and hopefulness, characteristic of a brave
and energetic citizenship. Late in the
year the crusade against servile foreign
labor by a REPRESENTATIVE class has re-
ceiyed renewed impetus, and the
unanimity of the people in opposition to
the unrestricted immigration of the Chi
nese laborer has been again emphasized
Politically it was an g off year" There were
no nota Ne elections, and the people had
not their attention drawn from their voca-
lions b.fcampaign agitation.
| Soil PRODUCTION was limited in the year
by cry season, and the produce mar
kets we're mainly inactive While
| investmen was somewhat limited,
and material improvements consid-
| erably circumscribed, there has not
been want of capital in the State. The
year has witnessed an overplus of the I'M
employ'M in the State, and some conse-
| qHent distress and agitation. At the same
time the immigration of desirable class
to the State has been large. 1t has come
here with means at command, and equip
ped for sself-support. 1t is gratifying to
record that the mass of this immigration
has gone into the rural districts, and located
upon new lands with view to develop
ing mole and more the resources of the
State. The several immigration societies
have been discreetly industrious, and have
succeedtM in drawing attention to sections
of the State heretofore but little known
abroad. A general knowledge of our adj
vantages has thus been disseminated. and
consequent good results are already felt.
Fruit culture has received new impetus
in the year. More thorough organization
has been effected among growers, and the
promise is that in 1856 the fruit trade of
the State will extend to markets where it
has been unknown, and will in the future
draw profits from all the populous
centers of the East. The new year opens
full of promise. The rains have been
bountiful, and the climatic conditions in
the highest degree fattering.
In railroad industries there has been but
little activity, and but little demand for it
so far as the construction of new lines is
concerned. A better understanding has
been reached between the people at large
and the transportation companies, and it
would appear now very difficult for the
political demagogue or the professional
agitator to disturb the condition of mutual
trust, or the conviction of community
of interest that exists between producer,
shipper and carrier When all is said that
can be regarding the dizziness of the past
year, it is to be noted that it has not been
exceptional with California. Indeed, in
many respects this State has Jared better
and there has been less of material injury
to trade, production or industry than in
most of the other sections of the country.