The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1899-02-21
no! FOR The SOUTHERN SEAS
SACRAMENTO COLONIsTs FOR
THE LADRONES.
Alleged Movement ON Foot to Start
a Settlement ON Guam
Island.

Although the alleged scheme has
been kept very secret, it is said that
this city bids fair to be represented by
the first American colony to migrate to
the South Seas and take up their future
homel in the Ladrone Islands, one of the
new possessions Of Uncle Samuel. One
of the men concerned in the proposed
colony said last night to a Record
Union reporter:
1.-THE place chosen is the island of
Guam, the largest of the Ladrone
group, and whose climate, soil and pro-
auctions are nearly Identical with those
of Hawaii, and whose main topography
is nearly level plain, rising in places
on a gentle slope to the mountains. The
soil is of a sandy nature, is marvel
ously rich and productive, and is suit
ed to the growth of rice, sugar, coffee,
cocoa and vanilla beans, coooanuts,
pineapples and all kinds of tropical
fruits and melons.
1.-THE company now being formed is
comprised of many well-known young
married men of this city, who will
shortly incorporate a company under
the laws of California with capital of
100000, the shares being placed at
$40 each.
Early in June they will leave. San
Francisco in the barkentine Ruth for
their future homes, where they will es-
tablish a trading store and secure a
number, of plantations for the cultiya-
ton of such products as will become a
paying proposition.
'sThese products will be conveyed to
San Francisco by the Ruth, which is
to be a portion of the corporations out
fit, and which is already engaged in a
similar trade with the Caroline Islands.
The intention is to absorb all the pro-
ducts of this group of islands, and di-
vert it from Europe to the San Fran
cisco market.
when the scheme was first proposed
some of the parties applied for aid and
information to the Chamber of Com
merce of San Francisco, which, after
due inquiries, referred them to the Cap
tain of the Ruth, his report on the cli-
mate and growing capacity of the La
drone group was so encoura ging that
the young men have fully determined
on their future course and are hope
full that large, supply of American
push and enterprise, rightfully applied,
of the most valuable of Uncle Sam s
new. possessions, with corresponding
financial return for those directly con-
cerned.
'fThere are fifteen islands in the La
drone group, the population of four Of
which is some 5000 souls These are
mostly natives, though there are a few
Spanish families and three English
speaking persons among them The
more northern islands of the group are
covered with a dense growth of valua-
BILE hardwood trees, including mahog-
ony, sandal wood, etc. Along the
coast and small inland ponds the large
numbers of teal, curlew and plover
make the islands a paradise for wing
shots.
Guam will. be a touching point of
the proposed .trans-Pacific cable AT
the present time the gunboat Benning-
ton is engaged in a survey of its har-
Dor for the purpose of preparing for the
erection of wharves and a coaling
plant for the building of which bids
have already been advertised
1.-THE cruiser San Francisco will be
permanently stationed at this point.
and her commander, Captain Leary,
has been appointed by the President
Governor of the group.
Under such bright auspices, with
powerful Governmental protection, the
Sacramento colonists hope to not only
carve out their own fortunes. but will
make one of our new possessions val
liable adjunct to the trade of the Pa
cific Coast and the country at large"