The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-12-12
The Golden Gate.

immense DOMAIN, ana the greater portion OF
1t is commanding and majestic to the last
degree. Her southeastern boundary zig
zags among the lofty, undulating hills that
swell to graceful attitudes back OF the city,
and the slo is delightfully."- gentle over
stretch of four miles till she battles her feet
in the sea.
Berkeley has not been as madly progress
sive in the past few years as she means to
be in the next few years, but she has not
been standing still. by any means. 1t Is
pleasant to be able to say that her every
step has been in the right direction All
improvements have been of a substantial
character; every new dwelling that goes up
Is of elegant architecture, as O rule and
pride 10 the place While there are many
of the finest suburban homes in Berkeley TO
be found anywhere surrounding thu bay,
1t Is possible they do not show off to the
very best advantage, because the city is so
large and comparatively sparsely settled.
Berkeley boasts OF many rare advantages
She has within her very bosom the States
seat OF learning, unquestionably the fore
most educational institution of tile West.
The University grounds are quite extensive,
the buildings CORE pondngly so, and it is a
rare privilege even to stroll aim essIy
through its magnificent parks and avenues,
not To speak of enjoying its educational
privileges. Probably the best library in the
State is inclosed within the walls of the
large and substantial library building, and
the Berkeleyans enjoy its advantages free
OF cost Many other advantages. CONNER
clal as well as educational, are derived from
the presence OF this grand institution. Its
thousand patrons swell the city's social
ranks with the best land nosirsO young
blood OF the West. and the atmosphere is
never wanting in refinement and culture.
AN ASYLUM
Besides the University Berkeley also
n
um, another grand institution, second To
none of its kind on earth. 1t has very
large attendance, and those who have en-
Joyed its benefits sound its praises, so far
as they are able, In the highest terms 1t is
true the dumb do not speak very well of the
place, nor can the blind see much good in
it, but they seem t. come away satisfied
with their experience.
But all the good things have not yet been
named. Some two ur three years ago, when
all the land was in rage, and it was thought
the proper thing TO build great hotel on
every commanding eminence, number of
enthusiasts banded together, headed by NJ
j. Curtis, and put up what was intended
as very imposing and capacious
caraYausary on The beautiful elevation
known as Peralta Park. 1t was a boom
move. but turned tut boomlet. The in-
tention was to establish there a popular
summer resort, and on the strength Of the
prospect to sell Off the surrounding premises
cut up into small lots at fancy prices.
Several brass bands and free lunches cele-
hrated the events. But somehow the people
didn't enthuSe, and the enterprise was not
a bowling success. The hotel, nevertheless,
was constructed, at cost of S125, COO and it
is truly fine, splendid edifce; but 1t never
fulfilled the mission intended for it. FINAL
it was sold to Homer b. Sprague and con-
verified into young ladies' seminary, similar
in character to Mills Seminary, and it has
been launched on its new career under the
most flattering auspices. About forty-fiye
ladies are now attending the institution,
THE SCHOOLS.
The public schools OF the city are not as
compact as they would be If the territory
was smaller, but it is believed they have
lost nothing in efficiency. The number of
school children is about 1900, and besides
the four large buildings. classes are con-
Quoted in seven smaller rooms. Deter
mined to make the system just as efficient
as possible the city has voted to issue bonds
for $4,000, and constructed five more
school buildings.
The churches Of Berkeley are, as rule.
cOmely and cheerful edfices, and all of
them well attended. Berkeley eniovs an
immediate moral atmos phere, because the
law prohibits saloons within a mile of the
State University. The consequence is that
the churches meet with little opposition and
the moral growth of the city is not re-
tarded.
Public improvements are not all that thew
should be. The streets need grading and
paving, and better sidewalks would add
wonderfully to the good appearance. But
the new birth is coming. The Trustees have
decided that the future sidewalk Is cement
and in none OF the more thiekIy settled dis
triets will wood be encouraged. From time
TO time. as seems practicable, street grading
and paving will be promoted. The project
is now. on foot, indeed, to grade and ma
cadamize the two main thoroughfares
through the city-San Pablo avenue on the
west and Shattuck avenue on the east. The
cost OF the work on each avenue will not be
less than 100000, and will be commenced
very shortly. While no other large work
OF this KIND Is on hand at present, there is
more or less of it going on in a small way
all the time. About seven miles of cement
walks were laid last year. and more than
double that extent will mark the coming
year.
WATER SUPPLY.
Few places have better and finer water
supply. AT the head of Wildcat Creek are
many clear crystal springs; in addition to
these artesian wells have been bored there.
and the water Is carried around circuitous
route down a fall of 700 feet to where it is
consumed. SO great is the fall and such a fine
chance Tor power. that the city Is consider
ing the project of utilizing the force about
hall way up the distance to run large
electric plant for lighting purpose. This
would in no way injure the water, and still
give ample fall Tor all purposes The rplan
is pei fectly feasible. and will, no doubt. be
carried into effect.
The present lighting Of the city is by cleo
tricity. Six big masts and four towers flash
their blaze in all directions. More is de-
sired, however. and Will doubtless be pro-
vided soon.
The electric roads that are pushing into
berkeley I'LL her heart with pride and salts
faction Her communication with the out.
side world has never been any too elaborate,
anu 10 mat more than anything else they
attribute their back wardness. The new
roads give new life and splendidIy healthy
impetus to property valuations Berkeley
and Oakland are now but few minutes. n
nj kei. apart, whereas it has always been
twice the price and four times the time.
The assessed valuation of the CITY is NOW
about 81, 100000. ana it has been increasing
oil late years at about the rate OF $4,000 a
year.
All told. there are few places so fnll Of