The record-union., 1893-10-28

rivalry, and prove to our friends of the
south that this section of the State is the
better portion of California, and more de-
serving the attention of brain and capital
from abroad.
But let US look at the facts, nor fear to
confront them, for their contemplation
becomes necessary in view of the new
contrast that is threatened to be made un-
less we bestir ourselves.
In the ten years according to the Off
cial census reports-between 1880 and 1890
the great rural county of Colusa added
but ,522 to her population. In the same
period the equally as wealthy and fav-
Ored fruit and grain county of Butte lost
7SS, while her three chief towns gained
III in population.
Tehama, the vine and grazing county,
added but 6l5 to her population. or not
800 in excess of natural increase by birth.
Sacramento County in the decade gained
but 5, 9l9 in population, and of that this
city alone absorbed 1866. San Joaquin
County in the ten years added but 4 4,2S0 to
her population, of which Stockton and
one small town are to be credited with
1863.
Solano, specially favored section along
with Sacramento and san Joaquin for
grain, fruit and commerce. gained but
2,47l. and of this population increase six
towns absorbed 1890. Yolo, county
with every reason for rapid advance
ment in all directions, gained in the ten
years the insignificant number of 9l2, of
which 6IS is to be credited to two towns.
On the oUher hand, in the same period,
according to the same official reports,
Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego,
Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties in
creased in population from 94,36l to 49,
763-that is to say. the net gain in ten
years in seven of the great valley coun-
ties of the north was but IA ,96l, while in
five counties of the south the net gain
in the same period was -. 3.4O2, or 78.44l i'll
excess of the gam of seven counties
richer, better situated. more blessed by
Heaven, more desirable because OF topOg-
raphy, scenery, climate, yield and all
other advantages.
The reasons for this contrast are near
and easily found. Land monopoly has
throttled settlement and taken home
building by the throat; lack of enterpris-
ing spirit has operated to keep our section
in the background and make us less prom
inent in the eyes of the world. AS re-
suit the north has suffered, and for her
vigor, persistent advertising and her un
blushing pushing to view the south has
gained in population, wealth and all the
comforts of civilization aud refinement.
1t is simple fact, testified to by all
who have returned from the Worlds
Fair, that in the California building
strangers expressed no surprise at the
exhibits made by the south counties, but
were amazed, as rule, that the northern
counties could make even such an ex-
position of their capabilities as they did,
though it is notorious that not one-third
of an exhibit was made such as should
have been.
With the Midwinter Fair at hand we
have an opportunity that if not seized and
held will operate to our eternal disgrace.
The only thing to do, if we wish to re-
trieve something of the loss of the past. is
to unite in a common effort the valley and
mountain and foothill counties Of the
north and center, erect fine building
and make therein an exhibit that will be-
come the starting-post for a new era IN
the history of the State and section, and
that will once for all remove a reproach
that is the natural result of our own sloth.
The trifing sum of $1,000 from each Of
these counties will give us structure
and fitting that it will not be possible for
the south to eclipse. while within the
building each county can make exhibits
which in the aggregate will fairly, fully
and creditably present Northern and
Central California as her resources de-
Sarva