Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1889-05-04
SAN QUENTIN.
With Its Beautiful Grounds and Surround
ings, q Perfect Paradise.

With Its Beautiful Grounds and Surround
ings, Perfect Paradise.
A few days ago REcoRD-UNIoN reporter
had occasion to visit San Quentin. The
starting point was from San Francisco,
across the bay TO the beautiful village Of
Saucelito, and then by rail through de-
lightful valley, which at this season of the
year is always arrayed in natures richest
robes. The journey of twenty-one miles
from the bay city to the Estate Hotel" at
San Quentin is picturesque. and the large
number of people who desert San Fran
cisco for breathing spot evidently recog-
nize that fact for both train and boat were
crowded to their utmost capacity.
The residence of General McConb was
reached about II o'clock A. N. The reporter
handed his card TO the dark-complexioned
attendant. who, by the wav, was dressed in
stripped suit, which appeared to be the
prevailing style for the coming season in
that vicinity. In few moments General
McComb, the Warden of San Quentin, ap-
peared at the door and in his
HosPITABLE AND GENIAL
Manner invited the reporter into the parlor.
Here the scribe found number of ladies
Chas. f. Bicknel, wife of the Clerk of the
Supreme Court of Nevada, and her sister
Mrs. Hatch, also Mr.. Ives, an English
author, who is making visit to this coun-
tly.
Warden McComb at once outlined the
programme for the day, which was fully
carried out, and which from the hearty
vote of thanks rendered him by his guests
before they departed for their homes must
have satisfied him that his hospitality was
truly appreciated. A glance at the prison
grounds will prove to the observer that as
far as possible the surroundings of the
prisoners unfortunate home is made to
look as near like paradise as possible.
The grounds are several acres in extent,
and set with evergreens and thousands of
the richest flowers and plants. In fact,
when one beholds what nature and art has
done for San Quentin it does not seem pos
sible that this very small portion of Gods
heritage IS the abode of over fourteen hun
| dred heavy and weary hearts, bat such is
the case.
A tap Of the bell at the noon hour an
nounced that breakfast was ready. The
| General led his guests to the dining rooms,
where all did ample justice to the good
things provided. After breakfast the Cen
eral invited the RECORD UNION reporter and
| tASOthSl SuSStS " JUN III
DRIxE THROUGH THE PRISON GROUNDS
| Two carriages, with span of blooded
| horses each, soon went speeding over the
new-made drive-ways as fast as the noun
| tain-like condition of the road would per-
NIT. The first place of interest visited was
| the two large reservoirs, which are built on
| the top ,ot a high hill which rises several
hundred feet above the level of the bay.
Just north of the reservoir is peak or
| ''round-top" hill, which rises about 75
feet above the reservoir. During the last
session of the Legislature money was ap-
| propriated for the purchase of this addi-
tional ground. AS soon as the title is Sc
cured General McComb will commence the
construction of roadway to the summit
| of round-top" From this position one
| OF the most commanding views Of the coun-
try and the bay perhaps in the State can be
secured. The purchase of this additional
ground will then make the State owner of
all the ground on which the reservoirs are
| built. The next drive was to the
| SALT WATER RESERVOIR,
| Which is located a little to the north of
the prison. At this place the eve can look
down into that portion of the prison where
the iute factory is located. This location
also affords fine view of the bay of San
Francisco, whose waters wash the base OF
I the hill below. a,@F
The next drive was the return to the
Warden s beautiful residence. But before
reaching our destination, the roadway
wound around So as to bring us in full
view of the hill slope which extends from
hin front of the Warden's residence almost
to the shores of the bay. The hillside,
which is covered with green grass, has in
its center an immense Grand Army badge,
about 125 feet in length. 1t shows, with its
Eieh border of green, all the colors of the
bulge. II can be seen for miles out on the
70 The. most charming advantage.
Those who look at it from a distance sup
pose that il is made of growing flowers, but
a closes inspection proves that it is not
General AfcConb said that the different
parts Of. the badge was made of shells and
stone and brick. Each section of the
badge. he said, was painted with metallic
paint, SO as to produce the original colors.
Gen erat MeGemb will dedicate this won
derfuf badge to the memory of the soldier
dead on next Memorial Day