Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-03-02

drew large immigration to the new
mines and great quantities of supplies
were transported over the Sierras by mule
and OK teams There was also consider
able trade carried on with Salt Lake and
the country north Of it. The project pre-
sented itself to Stansord that if the con-
struction of railroad across the mount
aims was feasible a monopoly of this busi-
ness might be secured, and if, as he felt
confident, the venture proved successful it
would result eventually in the building OF
transcontinental line. G. P. Hunting
ton, Charles Croker and Mark Hopkins,
who were also merchants in Sacramento at
that time, were consulted and it was de-
cided to make personal inspection of the
proposed route. General JUDAH, an ac-
complished engineer, accompanied the
party and they started on horseback to
climb the summit of the Sierra. The en-
gineer saw serious obstacles to the build
ing of a railroad, but he We oyerruled
and il was decided to make the attempt.
A railroad company was incorporated
July /, 1861, though little work was done
till the fall of 1868, and in July, 1864, the
first thirty miles were graded.
1--WE knew the only competitors of a
railroad" said the Governor, would be
the mule and OK teams then used. and
therefore we should be able to ask price
for transportation which would justify the
construction of the road"
BUILDING RAILROADS.
''Stanford's Pacific railroad scheme" as
it was then sneeringly spoken of by San
Francisco capitalists, was considered a
very doubtful enterprise, and until after
1864 no one would have anything to do
with it. 1t does not speak very well for
the business foresight of our people that
only ten shares, amounting to $1,000, was
subscribed for in this city. The work went
ahead, however, through all sorts of diff
culties, both natural and financial. The
last spike was driven at Promontory Point,
Utah, May 10, 1869, and an electric wire
attached to the silver handle of hammer
held in Stanford's hand flashed the tidings
across the continent. At the conclusion of
his gubernatorial term, Stanford refused all
political preferment, remarking that she
would rather build the Central Pacific Rail
road than be President of the United
States" and he never held any public
Office until hiselection to the United States
Senate, in 1885.
The business success of the venture of
Stanford and his associates, three or four
country merchants, was something marvel
Gus.
FOND OF HORSES.
Fifteen years ago Senator Stanford
bought Mohawk Chief, son of Rysdiek's
Hambletonian, General Benton and some
thirty head of brood mares of Lexington
stock, and at Palo Alto, thirty miles south
of this city, started his breeding farm, the
products of which have become famous all
over the world. He now has nearly 800
animals there of all ages, from the newly
dropped foal to the great sire, Electioneer,
over q years old. Here was bred Bell
Boy, who sold over year ago for S50, 1000 !;
Hinda Rose, who has a three-year-old
record of 2:194, Sunol, with a three-year-
old record of 2:104, lately sold to Robert
Bonner for very large price, and Palo
Alto with record of 2:12g.
1t is at Palo Alto that the Leland STAN
ford Jr. University, established in memory
of his only son, who died at Florence,
Italy, a few years ago, is located. No in
stitution of learning was ever founded for
which its protector had loftier aims and
more liberal purposes than this. AS set
forth in the grant of endowment the uni
versity is intended ito qualify students for
personal success and direct usefulness in
life and to promote the public welfare by
exerting an influence in behalf of human
ity and civilization; teaching the bless
ings of liberty, regulated by law and incul-
eating love and reverence for the great
principles of government as derived from
the alienable rights of man to life, liberty,
and the pursuit of happiness"
Both sexes are to be admitted, and the
advantages will be shared alike by male
and female. 1t is expected that the uni
yersity will be ready for the reception of
students October 1st next. The cost of
the buildings, which will probably exceed
$3000,000, is not included in the endow-
ment of real estate, cash, libraries, ETC.,
which will amount to $20,000,000 in value.
No such princely endowment was ever be-
slowed upon an institution of learning
before.
MILLIoNAIRE's HABITS.
Senator Stanford is a splendid specimen
of American manhood. He is large and
imposing. He has a massive, deep head !;
prominent jaws; round, close shut mouth /;
superlative grey eyes, which of late years,
since the loss of his son, have assumed a
tinge of sadness; high forehead, and his
face has frmness, energy and intelligence
depicted on every feature. His voice is
pleasant and well modulated, and he is a
most interesting talker. He dresses very
plainly, though with care and neatness.
When in San Francisco he rises at half
past every morning, eats hearty break
fast and walks to his Office. distance of a
mile and half. He lunches in the rail-
road building, and at 4 o'clock walks
home. He is simple in his habits, demo-
cratic in his manner and easily ap-
preached. Like all other successful men,
Leland Stanford has some enemies, but by
the people Of California generally he is
greatly beloved and respected.