The record-union., 1896-03-17

And yet does it not seem singular that
people residing outside of the city, and
who receive less direct benefit from
the works, are generally the most ap-
preciative, and is it any wonder that
they envy the SacramentanS for their
good fortune in having such an estab-
Eshment in their midst, while else
where, almost all over the continent,
thousands of workingmen-even skilled
mechanics-seem forced to pursue the
occupation of tramps, to beg, steal, rob
or starve, as the case may be- through
lack of honest labor to support them
selves and families?
From observation and information I
also find that-as a rule, with some
xceptions-workingm longest en-
ployed and the oldest residents gener-
ally, who have derived the most ben
eft from employers everywhere, usually
manifest less appreciation and graft
tude than newcomers. 1 think this
problem can be solved in three
words, viz: Familiarity breeds-indiif-
ference. And this Indifference or in
gratitude is particularly noticeable
among local newspaper editors and
publishers, whose city income and sue
SNoSo dCPC1dS very largely upon TIE
prosperity and disbursements of the
Southern Pacific Company. If such deny
this statement or question my assump-
ton that the Southern and Central Pa
cific, and most other railroads, con-
Quoted as the owners have thought ad-
visable, are public benefit-and more
particularly to Sacramento-is it nee
essary for such to go through the ex-
perience of another strike in order to
become thoroughly convinced that rail-
road enterprise should be encouraged
and sustained?
1t seems to be characteristic of human
nature to honor the SCARED heroes in
LIES battle, through whose self-sacri-
flee, persistency and heroic courage a
great public benefit or cause has been
brought to a successful result, when it
brings only financial ruin upon them,
as this aWakens sympathy in their be-
half 1t seems to be just as natural for
very many to become envious and abus-
i've of others equally enterprising and
worthy who have achieved success, but
who, through more favorable condi-
tionS and circumstances, have in con-
nection Herewith earned and received
a deserving pecuniary reward But in
order to neutralize this feeling, let us
take into consideration the fact that
the pioneers of that great overland un-
dertaking to which California is so
largely indebted for her growth and
prosperity (and which, as Americans,
very many are proud to boast of when
in foreign lands, but very inconsist-
emily deprecate when at home) COM
menced at a time not only when our
country was in great need of it's advan-
tages, but also when no others dared to
risk their all in it's construction. This
is a broad, patriotic point of view. In
liberal and even selfish consideration,
we should always desire to see our
neighbors prosper, for prosperity not
only puts them in a position to pay
whatever debts they may incur, but also
enables them to assist others if they so
desire.
In consideration of the foregoing
facts, it seems to me that Sacramento.
which has the honor of containing one
of the finest and most beautiful State
Houses in America, would be reduced
to one of the dullest cities of its size
in California if the shops were moved
elsewhere (as was reported to have been
done during the great railroad strike in
a Western State because of lack of lawful
protection of the works by the city or
State authorities), and its business out
side of railroad traffic and the patron
age at times of the members of the
State Legislature would not exceed that
Of very many seeond-class towns.
AMERICAN MECHANIC.
Sacramento, March II, 1896.