The record-union., 1894-04-04
SIGHTSEERS FROM new ENGLAND.
An Excursion Train Of Tourists Spends
the Morning Here.
Cerdia1 Expressions or Appreciation Of
tie City's Attractions and the
Courtesy Shown Thefs

a feW publ1c-Splrlted gentlemen OF Inls
city did wise thing in needing the sug-
gestion made by this paper some time
ago, that someone should be employed
regularly to welcome strangers arriving
in our midst and help them to intelll-
gently and pleasantly spend their time
while in this city, as well as give them
information about the city and county
which might induce them to think of re-
naming here permanently. The train
load of Eastern excursionists which ar
rived here on its way back to the East
Monday night was thus welcomed.
Rev. A. c. Herrick met them at Benicia,
and formed their acquaintance, stating
his object.
They were taken completely by sur
prise. 'tWhy," said several of them,
1--WE have not found anything like this
since we left Galveston, Texas. We have
been to Los Angeles. San Diego, San
Francisco and a number of other places
in the State, but were left to our own re-
sources.
''It is not pleasant feeling to be set
down in a strange city with some hours
on your hands, knowing no one, and
knowing nothing of what is worth seeing
or where to look for it. By the time you
y
is up, and you must leave without seeing
things you would have much enjoyed"
The visitors took hold CT the project
gladly, and their expressions showed how
much they appreciated the attention. 1t
is good for US, however, who, knowing
we have pretty city and conscious OF Its
advantages. think the world looks at US
with admiration, to see ourselves occa-
sionally as others see US.
This DartV was q V0rV intelligent one.
coming principally from Boston and
vicinity, New York, New Jersey and
Pennsylvania. Among It's mem bers were
prominent Boston architect, large iron
founder in Massachusetts, and gentle
man from Constantinople, who speaks
seven languages and is taking notes of
everything, intending to write book,
and solicitous for accurate information.
The remainder of the party was composed
of shrewd, wide-awake business men
and their families, who had come to see
the country.
gentleman say "Ah! yes, um; l have
heard Sacramento spoken OF. Let me
see, what did 1 hear said of it? Obi l
believe it is the Capital, is it not?"
"Yes." said another. sit is at present,
but l think they are talking of moving
the Capital somewhere else. l read some
thing about it.
that the Supreme Court had decided that
the Capital was not on wheels, but likely
to stay here for some time, and that they
would see a handsome building and
grounds in the morning.
Yesterday morning, accompanied by
E. E. Avery, he escorted them to Oak
Park OH the electric cars, thence to the
Capitol, where they praised enthusiastic
cally the building and grounds, and
finally to the Croker Art Gallery. At
the latter place their remarks showed
that many of them were intelligent crit
les Of art, and they expressed their sur
prise at Mrs. Crocker's magnificent gift
to the city.
"Why,n said one of them, ga large
number of these paintings are very valu-
able and among the finest l have seen
anywhere. 1t must have taken much
time and discrimination, as well as
money, to get together such valuable
collection, Your citizens must be very
proud of their good fortune"
"Yes," said another; land I admire the
way in which your rich Californians dis
pose of their wealth for the public good.
There is the Stanford University, gift
to the people. The other day we went to
Mount Hamilton to take look through
the telescope at the Lick Observatory,
and here we have this splendid gift to the
people of your city,"
pressed themselves in warm terms of
praise of what they had seen and the
courtesy extended to them. They spoke
of the pleasant weather, although as a
matter Of fact the north wind does not
strike Sacramentans in that light, but
they said it was much pleasanter than in
San Francisco.
1t is safe to say that at least one party of
tourists will carry back to their Eastern
homes pleasant memories of our city,
and warm place in their hearts for those
who welcomed them so cordially.
Several of them asked the question,
swell, have you no pamphlet or book
which gives information of your city and
county?"
There is nothing of the sort, as Mr..
Herrick was obliged to tell them, but
it it is a matter that can be easily RENE
died if few more public-spirited citizens
will aid in the good work. Why can it
not be done?