Sacramento daily record-union., 1888-09-22
Sherwood Nominated.
AS OTHERS SEE Us.
what Chicago Visitor Has to Say About

What a Chicago Visitor Has to Say About
Sacramento and It's Institutions.
a Chicago lady, who has spent many
months in different portions, in commu-
nication written from this city, says
The tourist. visiting this most resplendent
star that graces our National ensign, finds
it difficult to pass in silence from one de-
ightful scene TO another, hence we all fall
into the ridiculous habit of informing Cali
fornians of what they were doubtless long
since aware, viz: As to the grandly beau
tiful scenery, productive soil and perfect
climate, as well as in everything else that
constitutes true greatness, present and
prospective.
Contrasted with the diversified and most
pleasing natural charms of the southern
part of the State the somewhat less strik-
ing scenery in and around Sacramento
would disappoint one, had not art so gen.
erously supplied what nature withheld.
Perhaps nowhere else, even in this favored
land, is to be found such variety
and perfection, both Of arboreal and
floral wealth. Such grouping as this
climate admits is strongly suggestive Of
magic. Where, outside of the wonderland
of ancient fable, will the broad-leaved
palm, the cedar Of Lebanon, and many
other tropical trees, grow 10 q gigantic size,
side by side with the hardy natives of the
coolest climes together with all ths favor
ties brought hither from temperate regions?
The laws of distribution are equally set at
defiance in the case OF fiu;t aad other
blooming trees, shrubs, vines and plants,
whereby the most exquisite effects OF land
scape gardening are easily attained. Ac-
cordingiy beautiful grounds, private and
public, are everywhere seen.
One, essentially Californian IL its char
acteristics, is the Capitol Park, covering an
area of ten square blocks in the heart of
the city. From the apex of its softly
nodded velvety green, flower and tree
decked terraces rises the State House, a
white gem of architectural beauty, in this
lovely emerald setting. Within the stately
edifce not the least interesting of its
many handsomely decorated apartments is
the State library, containing $4,000 vol
umes, to which literary treasures all have
access. Here, comfortably seated in one
of the numerous delightfully."- !quiet alcoves
of the spacious reading-room, you may
dream away the hours from 8 A. NJ. to P
NJ. in poetry and romance, or s.udiously
pursue any line of research, however re-
condite by aid of the best works extant
You will also find all the leading periodi-
Gals. Should you desire further literary
privileges, go to the Sacramento free library.
established and maintained by the city.
having Is, 500 volumes, from which you
can hardly fail to make a satisfactory selec-
ton.
In art, too, it seems not uniting that
this, the oldest city in the State, should
stand pre-eminent. The $500, 900 collection
of paintings, representing almost every
~ MI 0f IL
ture. which adorn the large and richly
finished rooms of the L. B. Crocker
Art Gallery, is possession of
which the largest and most refined COM
munity might well feel proud In conse-
quence of this splendid gift of Mrs Marga-
ret Croker to Sacramento, the California
Museum Association was enabled to carry
into effect one of its main objects, viz: the
founding of a tinely-equipped School of
Design, fixing tuition fees so low that all
may enjoy the great advantages thus af-
forded. Free access to these magnificent
rooms is accorded, on certain days, not to
residents alone, but also to the stranger
within the gates" and at all times the ad-
avail themselves of the inestimable privi-
lege of studying and enjoying these beauti-
full creations of the great masters.
1t requires NO special gift of prophecy 10
predict that in the not very remote future
California will attain in the fine, SIS she al
ready has attained in the useful, arts the
foremost ranks. First, because her incom-
parable scenery inspires the sublimest
ideals of beauty and, secondly, by reason
of the many resident millionaires who like
Mrs. Crocker, can and will out vie in gen.
erosity the princely patrons of art in the
Old World. Only a little time is requisite
for California to become, artistically, what
she now is naturally-the Italy of America.
In philanthropy, too Sacramento seems
not at all behind larger and much older
cities; and here again we find Mrs. Mar
garet Crocker the presiding genius. The
Old Ladies' Home, handsome, commodi-
GUS building in the center of block, laid
out in most beautiful pleasure grounds
owes its existence to her muniricence. How
soon would human suffering, induced by
poverty, be annihilated if all would use
part Of their wealth as does this noble
woman
But, lest make greater demands upon
your space than permissible, / will reserve
for future letter, further comments on
this beautiful city. NJ. S. s.