Oakland Tribune from Oakland, California • Page 11

ha EnDD(DIRDAL VOL CXXXI OAKLAND. CALIFORNIA, SUNDAY. DECEMBER 24, 1939 NO. 177 limited and a bit flat-wheeled. Its two locomotives were frequently out of service.

Passengers were accorded the luxury of the hard-seated caboose, except for one gala occasion a year. That was the miner's picnic at Paradise Grove on the San Joaquin River. Coal cars were preesed into service, splintery planks laid across the open car and Pullman service of a kind provided. The more hardy of the townspeople and they were all a hardy lot pre-. ferred to slosh about on top of the leaky and splashy water tanks or even on the tender.

My historian friend from Tracy suggests that San Joaquin City has been neglected in the digging up of old time lore. It was a steamboat landing and shipping center in the dim past and handled--so he suggests "more merchandise there at one time then can be claimed by San Francisco at the present time." Perhaps so. accounts given by newspapers to some of the more notable of the animals' exploits. For instance, on October 3, 1863, the Bulletin, mentioning that Bummer and Lazarus believing in returning service for sustenance, were in the rat extermination business, said: "The town rings today with stories of their pnbwess in this line. Gould Martin last April cleared off a gallery in their fruit market and, during the process, the two dogs with the aid of some clubs wielded by earnest men, killed over 400 rats! That is vouched for as a true story." It was no uncommon thing to discover in the personal notes lines like these from the Alta: "Yesterday we observed the four-legged Damon and Pythias stretched out together on the sidewalk, away up Washington Street, and snoozing cosily under the hot rays of the noonday sun." There was a day when a dogcatcher caught Lazarus, an act which resulted in consternation, demands to the city fathers, and passage of a special ordinance granting the dogs the freedom of the city.

Friends of the Emperor Statements that Bummer and Lazarus actually belonged to Emperor Norton are disputed by Miss Bancroft, who says: "They appear in many cartoons in the 'sixties, particularly in those of Edward E. Jump. One of these gave rise to the erroneous assertion that the two dogs belonged to Emperor Norton, who was also included upon every occasion. In the well-known cartoon the three are seen at a free lunch table. Emperor Norton, golden epaulets and plumed hat gracing his imperial uniform, is seen spearing a tasty morsel into his mouth.

Beside him, and looking up at him with sniffing wistfulness, are Bummer and Lazarus. The cartoon was displayed in one of the downtown store windows, where it was seen by his Imperial Majesty. Angered at the pictorial reference to his financial condition, and the presentation of himself to his subjects in such an undignified occupation, the Emperor raised his cane and smashed the plate glass window." Papers carried long obituaries when Lazarus died; there was a funeral and a taxidermist was called upon to stuff his skin. He appeared so natural that Bummer, said an account, "gave positive evidence by his manner that he believed Lazarus had been only sleeping." When a drunken man kicked Bummer, the court assessed a fine of $100 and costs and the whole city was out-ragedf And when Bummer died in November of 1865 long obituaries and even an elegy were written to his memory. The news traveled to Nevada, where Sam Clemens did a characteristic piece for Virginia City's Territorial Enterprise.

Bummer, all men agreed, was the greater dog of the two. ruins; also wide-awake communities worth the-visit of any man. do back to the gold days and Yeomet loomed large for a while. It boasted sv hotel beyond all patterns of pretense; it lasted-for a time and faded. Then Cape Cod Bar took over.

A few miles, four or five, south of Yeomet'" was Plymouth, known now as the home of the Plymouth Consolidated mine. It ties its history with quartz lodes and even now has not given up the game and the business of mining. Enterprise, another quartz center was near, and also-Puckerville and Pokerville. Not so far off is' another place of picturesque nomenclature, the1' Fiddletown which Bret Harte immortalized, camp which with growth took on a proper "Oleta" and fortunately recanted. I find in mjT-records that Central House, a popular stage, station which still stands on the road between? Plymouth and Drytown, was built of timbert-brought around the Horn.

It is now a private, residence or was the last time I saw it. A few. miles west of Drytown there was a popular, hostelry, Willow Springs. In the fifties a beau-tif hi old stone inn was built and called "Forest Home." To the West were Arkansas Creek and Yankee Hill. The region around Plymouth and' Fiddletown is now a prosperous dry-farming community, "growing grapes, walnuts, pears and various farm products.

Shenandoah Valley, north of Plymouth, has been a rich farming section since the early 50's and descendants of pioneer settlers still occupy many of the old homesteads. Are there any who may go back in their records to Yeomet and, or catt; "giv u. stories of Plymouth, Fiddletown and Drytown? I have facts and figures but would like yarnr and memories. 11 Schelling and the Children. Most musicians are so occupied with their art: and its appreciation by mature music-lovers' that they have small time for the youngsters' wh'o will be tomorrow's audiences, if any.

Not so Ernest Henry Schelling whose recent death threw a pall over the music world, partjeu- larly in such areas as here where youngsters; had had the benefit of his children's -concerts. Schelling's musical career started af. the age, of 4. It was in memory of his (own struggles that he devised the technique of illustrating mu--sic with lantern slides and animated cartodns so that young listeners could grasp the intent of the composers. Born in New Jersey, the son of a philosopher and theosophist, his first.public appearance was as the child Mozart in a performance in Philadelphia where he played, the piano in public for the first time.

It almost turned out to be the last time, for the ruffles on his costume caught fire from the gas footlights. When the tire was how? ever, he went on to play his piano and to win acclaim. At eight he was sent to Europe to study but an attack of neuritis in his hand halted his course. He entered the University of Pennsylvania eventually, had' to withdraw because of 111-health, but finally was awarded the degree of Doctor of Music. RANK and file Republicans of California will have an opportunity for the first time in 1940 to take an active part in the designation of delegates to represent them at the Republican National Convention.

This was assured for all practical purposes last week when the Republican State Central Committee, official party organization, gave its approval to the program at an enthusiastic meeting of the executive comrnftteeN in Fresno. It was made certain a few days ago when five out of the six currently recognized State-wide Republican groups had ratified the plan. The California Republican Assembly, sixth of the list, is expected to ratify soon. Machinery for participation in local conferences and caucuses will be worked out at another meeting to be held in Fresno January 6, but that is the limit of authority. Actual participation is the priviledge extended, but it cannot be made mandatory.

The responsibility of taking a hand in the important business of seeing that a truly representative, unpledged and free thinking delegation of 44 members is sent to the National convention to represent this State will rest largely with the Republicans within each of the 20 congressional districts of the State. If the Republican groups within tltese districts accept the new responsibility, and there are indications they are eager, the party in California will embark upon a true harmony program which should be far reaching in its effects on the 1940 campaign. It will mean that Senator Hiram Johnson will have the benefit of a united Republican party in his re-election contest, as will the incumbent Republican congressmen, who will also be on the ballot for re-election. It will also mean that Republican congressional candidates for those seats now occupied by Democrats will have a united front organization to help them unseat the New Dealers. It is generally recognized, also, that if California is to be returned to its traditional position in the Republican ranks when the votes are counted at the general election in November, it can only be brought about by the united efforts of all elements within the ranks.

Designation of a representative and unpledged delegation to the National convention will lay the foundation for this united program, and the program to be set up at Fresno will give Republican groups in the various congressional districts the opportunity to go to work. Delegation Responsibility I find generally there is but ft hazy Idea in the minds of many voters concerning the duties and responsibilities of the delegates whom they elect at the presidential primary to represent them at the National convention of the party. In the past there has been a great deal of emphasis placed upon the choice of the presidential candidate, while little or nothing has been said about the choice made at the convention of the candidate for vice-president, or the party platform of principles which is written by the delegates. Considerable criticism has been levelled at the Republican party during the past seven years because it has lacked a constructive program of action, and has appeared to be content with attacks upon the New Deal administration. During the last year, however, Republicans in various sections of the country are meeting this issue, and in the months leading up to the convention there will be a crystalization of these ideas which will undoubtedly find a place in the platform which will be worked out at the convention.

In California there are several schools of thought about what is needed in the Republican platform of principles to strengthen the party and make it responsive to the needs of the people. Delegates to the National convention face the responsibility of presenting these ideas and battling for their inclusion iff" the party program which goes to the people for their approval at' the November election along with their choice of President. Designation of a California delegation, then, which will represent the various ideas which are brewing in this State and make them vocal at the convention is an important job and well worth the attention and ffort of rank and fit Republicans. New Relief Program Director of Finance John R. Richards' recently plans to slash twenty million dollars from the administrative cost of SRA is a new and welcome trend in the relief set up ia-Cali-fornia and has resulted in considerable speculation as to whether or not Governor Olson is turning to a new relief program.

The statement from Richards is the first time anything has been said by the present administration leaders about laving any money. Heretofore all the emphasis has been placed on spending. It may mean something, too, that the finance director Olson is caught between two fires on his legislative plans for relief at the special session next month. On the one side is a large group of merchants, many A. F.

of L. unions, industrialists and the large mass of conservative voters who are strenuously opposed to a costly experimental program of production-for-use which will compete with private business. On the other side there is an equally strenuous opposition within the Democratic party ranks to a continuation of relief on the present basis because of waste and radical influences within the SRA. Both of these sets of opponents are represented in the Assembly and the Senate and are prepared to stir up plenty of trouble at the special session when the entire relief program will come up for settlement. Assemblyman Sam Yorty has told the Governor there will be no relief appropriation until the SRA house has been cleaned.

Senator Robert Kenny has advised, the administration there will be little or no support for a new tax program involving $75,000,000 of new revenues. If Richards was talking with the Governor's knowledge and consent, it appears that compromise is in the air and the administration is getting ready to meet the demand for slashing governmental cost as the first step towards balancing the budget. A Scotch Paisano In the colorful hacendado period, prior to the gold rush, Hugo Reid was a largeNgure. He was so big in the days before gold that his name and character were impressed on a scattered Western area where families were far separated and it called upon an individual of stature to become traditional. Hugo Reid came to the Pacific Coast in the 1820's, engaged in trade, and, making the most of honest opportunities in a strange land collected some wealth.

He lived in San Gabriel while a friend, out of New England, "Don Abel" Stearns had his home in what is now Los Angeles. Reid and Stearns exchanged letters in those "casual" days before news traveled over wires; before men could dictate to secretaries, and when a gentleman took pencil or quill in hand ind put all he could, or would, care to put, in pencilling or ink. Let us remember that this Scot, Hugo Reid, died in 1852 and had little interest in what had happened at Co-loma. His letters to "Don Abel" were of ranch life, present politics, and many little sideplays in "this and that." Reid was "big" back in the Thirties and Forties and up to the Fifties. Helen Hunt Jackson and William Health Davis, looking for material in fiction, studied his story and colored him in narrative.

Who knows but the man was greater in life than in those years which have rescued moments, tinted incidents and given him an obscure place? Susanna Bryant Dakin has had access to a great number of letters exchanged between Hugo Reid and his friend, Stearns. Her book, "A Scotch Paisano" is written out of those letters. She connects them and makes the story, letting the old-timer write and giving us his words. A writer who would project a book toward larger popularity would be tempted to embroider. This one stands by the authentic.

Those who would know the thoughts, customs, conversations, the daily life as reflected in intimate correspondence in the days before gold, will find the Reid letters priceless. This whole country which has accepted many Western stories will not admit excitement with the publication of this book; but a great number of Californians who would know more of their State's story will make it a prized possession. To the University of California Press which has put in type, on its own and perhaps for little reward, all lovers of Californiana may be thankful. The book is called "A Scotch the author is Susanna Bryant Dakin and the price $2.50. Bummer and Lazarus Bummer was so called because, since his advent in San Francisco early in 1860, he picked up a living by visiting restaurants and free lunch counters.

He was given no little atten- tion in the old Bulletin, the Alta California and other journals and once achieved notice as a hero when he rescued the mangy Lazarus from an attack by a larger foe. Bummer and Lazarus, as all oldtimers know, were dogs, the same two who made it their habit to follow in the footsteps of no less a worthy than Emperor Norton. We have had several hiographies of the Emperor and none has failed to pay respects to his canine friends. Now we have a little book, "The Memorable Lives of Bummer and Lazarus," which is the first biography of the dogs. It ii written by Anne Bancroft, is generously illustrated with cartoons of the period, and comes from the Ward Ritchie Press in a limited edition.

(Paul Elder $2). The account of the devotion of two pioneer dogs of San Fran The Days of '95 Last week's reminiscences, born out of scrap-book gazing, have apparently igniled the fires of memory for other oldsters, judging from the responses, so I am moved this week to continue for a bit. I wonder how many remember the athletic exhibition given at the Macdonough Theater by the members of the Acme Athletic Club on the night of December Bicycling was in its heyday then, and D. Van Court was in charge of the show, the tour de force of which was a treadmill race between G. A.

Nissen and Pete LeFevre, measured distance from Redwood Canyon to the Acme Club, a distance of two miles. Bicycles were for sale everywhere then. George A. Faulkner, whose shop was at I2th and Webster, was urging all, in an advertisement, to wait for "our '96 tandem Rambler-it will be a beauty." You could get a Syracuse bicycle at 107 San Pablo Avenue; a Cleveland or a Crescent from Leavitt and Bill at 1112 Broadway; a World from the agency at 74 San Pablo Avenue; a Tribune from the Central Cyclery at 426 14th Street; a Stearns, described as "the Yellow Fellow," from C. L.

Maxwell Sons at 481 14th Street; a Marsh '96 from Charles B. Shear at 480 10th Street; a Lu-mi-num, all machines tested to 2000 pounds, at 24 San Pablo Avenue; and a '96 Lovell Diamond from C. A. Salomonson at 399 12th Street. Mr.

Salomonson admitted that it was a "world beater," but in the event you didn't care to ride, he urged you to see his "bargains in the line of watches and jewelry." That seemed fair enough, since the Saddle Rock was close by at 463 12th; and it was only a step further to the establishment of E. Hook, where you could buy, of all things, carpets. Bicycling was the rage, and the votaries included De Wolf and Edna Wallace Hopper, who were playing "Wang" at the time in the bay area. Exit 'Junior Day'! I wonder whatever has happened to Junior Day on the University of California campus. I happened upon an old program record of it the other day.

It was celebrated on December 5, 1896, by the class of '98 at the old Macdonough Theater. Everett J. Brown was president of the day, and delivered an address; Florence Doane sang "Summer the orchestra, directed by Curt C. Davis, played several selections, including "Asmodeus" and "Jolly Fellows," and there were a couple of sketches "Seven Years After," by Raymond J. Russ, in which the actors were Walter Starr and Cen-tennia Barto; and "The Black Colt," a farce by Starr, in which the players were Ben Bakewell, Will C.

Russell, Billee Smith, Alice Marchebout, Centennia Barto, Agnes Knerr and John Rainey. The student actors were moving in fast company at the Macdonough, because that was the year that brought Ada Rehan in "The School for Nat C. Goodwin, "In James K. Hackett in "The Prisoner of Delia Fox with Trixie Friganza in her company in "Fleur de Lis" and "The Little Wilton Lackaye in "The Wife," with Tyrone Power in his company; Sam J. Burton in "SI Perkins" he was here not long ago as the old doctor in "White Anna Eva Fay and her mind-reading act; and Zero's English Pantomime and Humpty Dumpty company.

The troupe included Laurence Semon, "the boy prodigy, singing all the latest songs." He was to become Larry Semon, beloved of laugh-seekers in the silent screen. Of course, President-of-the-day Brown was to become first district attorney, and then a superior judge, after a famous college episode with the Stanford a. And that, too, is fame, even if the theater has no part of it. When Plymouth Boomed A reader of the Knave page has asked us to say a word of two for Plymouth, up in Amador County, a place which has a present as well as a past Up in that area near the Consumnes River there are many reminders of camps which were once There are ghost towns and Ghosting Again A Tracy friend who has read of the ghost town of Tesla writes me to recall that the Tesla railroadit was called the Alameda and San Joaquin County Railway, I believe now forms part of the Western Pacific from Stockton to Carbona, a junction not far from Tracy. This strip of rail, about 32 miles, extending from Stockton to the mines at Tesla was acquired by the interests promoting the Western Pacific, a Gould line, in the early 1900's perhaps in 1905 or '06 as the first link in what was to be a transcontinental line, according to my recollection.

Besides hauling coal to Stockton, where, for a time it was made into briquettes, the chief function of the road for years was the cartage of water from the San Joaquin in huge wooden tank cars to supplement the little town's meager supply. The tracks west of Carbona were abandoned by the Western Pacific after the demise of Tesla and its nearby brick town of Carnegie, but not until a rather profitable gravel bed had ceased to be worked. Little Corral Hollow the canyon in which Tesla was located is a vari-table treasure house, both for the historian and the mining engineer. The Knave has heard quite a bit from the historians and with much appreciation and I expect some day to hear of the mining engineer making the ghost walk again. Besides the coal too young for this centurythe hills have given up a high quality.

of both china and fire clay; contain valuable cinnabar which has been worked, and manganese deposits. At one time a small smelter worked the quicksilver deposits while nearby a kiln provided a fair grade of lime. The manganese mine in Mitchell's ravine the' mine was owned by a man of that name was worked during the World War, when Uncle Sam needed it greatly. Once an oil well two perhaps was drilled in the canyon. It failed to produce, but gave much promise.

And "over the hill" a short distance a magnasite property has been worked intermittently for about 30 years. Only, recently TJesla showed a bit of renewed life. A clay -mine has been opened up and high grade china and fins cTay is being trucked to Livermore and, I believe, to Stockton. The old railroad to which my correspondent1 referred was a picturesque outfit In It early days. Its rollfai stock -wai i.

Upset Temperament Alfred Hertz, San Francisco's be-whiskered and beloved symphony director for so-many years, came to San Francisco first with Enrico Caruso when that famed opera star's initial visit to the Golden Gate was so rudely interrupted by the 19(56 cataclysm. Hertz still 'treasures, the key to his Palace Hotel suite from which? was unceremoniously evicted by Nature on the morning of April 18 of that year when he was forced to add to his role of orchestra conductor that of a sort of "wet nurse" for Caruso, Scotti, Fremstad, Sembrich, Eames, Walker, Altem Van Rooy, Plancon, Rossi and other outstanding song birds of that era. Hertz recently reminisced of that fateful day for Oscar Lewis and Carroll D. Hall, who tell about it in their "Bonanza tnn. Caruso was by far the most wrought all the celebrities that Hertz tallied from his list as they sat in the Palace lobby on their half-packed trunks until Scotti Could and engage an express wagon for $300.

to ferry Caruso and himself tq the city line where the former spent the night sleeping under a tree, refusing to trust the security of a friend's root According to the story, Caruso, while packing, had a fistic sct-ti with a Chinese servant in the 'hotel's deserte 1 lobby. One treasured article Caruso carrie. I with him under his arm all the time of hi flight was an autographed portrait of the thv President Roosevelt. It stood him in good iter later. The troupe of fleeing stars was taken ta Oakland ferry byhartered launch on the ond day.

But nondescript ments, didn't offer a prepossessing figure the police guarding the waterfront thry fused to let him near his waiting launch. argued in broken English and excited I'. But his charming voice was of no avail 1 one of the officers spotted the autcc portrait and it became a passport. So was off to New York; where he declare me Vesuviusl IZ" (0 failed to couple his latest proposal with the production-for-use program which has been talked af so much during the past six ttftttax iet appears that Governor cisco for each other and to the city, of their adoption will appeal not only to collectors of Californiana but to dog-lovers as welL Highly amusing in this busier day art the mock-serious.