To the Base of Shasta. 287 



•with more vigor and determination. Tlie issue was made along the old lines 

 of the common law. The people below asked that the people above be en- 

 joined from ruining the California plains by their nefarious business. The 

 miners resisted to the utmost, contending for the rights and interests of 

 their great industry; but the other party prevailed. The cause was carried 

 to the Supreme Court of the State, and the injunction which had been 

 granted below was declared valid for all time to come. As a result hydraulic 

 mining came to a sudden end, not, however, until a considerable modifica- 

 tion had been effected in the river levels of Upper California. This is why 

 we find to-day on the banks of the Sacramento, where he traverses the capi- 

 tal city of the State, these high dikes to prevent his ravages in times of 

 flood, and this is why the city of Sacramento in all of its older parts has a 

 squatty appearance. 



During the interval between his arrival and nightfall the writer enjoyed 

 the pleasure of a brief call upon that distinguished California senator, New- 

 ton Booth, whose voice, some years ago, was among the first and clearest to 

 ring out like a clarion against the encroachments of those tremendous mo- 

 nopolies which have become, in some sense, the menace and nightmare of 

 our republican institutions. 



Sacramento is a large and flourishing city. Its present population is, 

 according to my estimate, some forty thousand. It is a commercial metrop- 

 olis. I am not aware that manufacturing enterprises have obtained much 

 foothold ; and I should think that merchandising is here the most profitable 

 pursuit. One thing impressed me as peculiar to the situation, and that was 

 that Sacramento is less given to hyperbolical diction with respect to her 

 own merits and prospects than almost any other city, big or little, in the 

 Oolden State. Civic modesty is not a virtue generally distributed in the 

 municipalities of the West; but Sacramento is an exception. She respects 

 herself, and has the confidence of a well-bred lady who knows her merits, 

 but is rather too proud to say much about them. The city is well laid out. 

 The State-house, at which the citizens have prepared an evening reception 

 for our Society, is an admirable structure as to its architectural qualities 

 and adaptations. It is in the Hall of Representatives that our banquet has 

 been spread, and here, in the evening, we are greeted and welcomed by one 

 of the most elite and hospitable throngs of people that we have ever met. 

 They treat us as their friends and acquaintances. They escort us to the 

 banquet hall There we are seated at elegant tables, each for six guests at 

 a sitting. 



I have already referred in advance to the elegance and refinement 

 of our Sacramento banquet. It was a nonpareil artair from beginning 

 to end. The arrangement of the tables, with their beautiful flowers and 

 ■elegant array of fruits and viands, gave unmistakable token of woman's 

 hand and taste. An excellent programme of speeches and music had been 

 prepared for the occasion. The principal address of welcome was delivered 

 by Postmaster R. D. Stephens, A^ho gave us a cordial greeting and all hail to 



