TRANSACTIONS OP T II 8 loddg of (Ealifoiniit Wxmtm. JANUARY 1st to >rAY 7th, 1863. PART I; VOLUME II. PUBLISHED PERIODICALLY BY ORDER OF JHE SOCIETY. SAN F R A X C I < C : PRINTED AT THE ALTA CALIFORNIA BOOK AND jr.n r,riTCE 18 6 3. \ TRANSACTIONS OF THE mtiis of ^alifontia Wmum. & JANUARY 1st to MAY 7th, 1863. PART I, VOLUME II. PUBLISHED PERIODICALLY BY ORDER OF THE SOCIETY. SAN FRANCISCO: PRINTED AT THE ALTA CALIFORNIA BOOK AND JOIJ OFFICE 1863. ;- Entered according to Act of Congress, In the year eighteen hnndred and sixty-three, by AuTHUu B. Stout, J. O. Eaui,, and A. G. Eandai.i,, In the Clcrk'8 Office of the District Court of United States, for the Northern District of Californin. V^ // SEAL OF THE SOCIETY. ADOPTED MAY 5tli, 1863 PREFACE. The object of the Society of California Pioneers in commencing the publication of its Transactions for the use of its members was not alone retrospective. Its most essential intention was to aid and encourage the future progress and prosperity of the Society. As it was deemed necessary to amend the Constitution of the Society to conform to the legislative Act of Incorporation, so does it now become incumbent to harmonize the action of the Society there- with, by assuming a more literary spirit, and by the diffusion of the ample literary resources it will in the future acquire. Indispensa- ble it certainly was to restore and preserve the records of the past, yet more essential, and animating, it appeared to the advocates of the measure, to prepare a recipient for the harvests which the future promises, just as the morning Hght is more vivifying to the verdure of the earth than are the rays of the evening sun. The Publication Committee have been actuated by these consider- ations, and therefore have not hesitated to commence the publica- tion of the Transactions with the latest proceedings of the Society. AH the back records to January 1st, 1863, will form the first vol- ume, and will appear either in separate numbers or together in a bound volume, as circumstances and the state of the finances wiU permit. In either case, some obscurity in regard to the first organ- STANDING COMMITTEES FOR 1863. NTatural History. ARTHUR B. STOUT, M.D., G. WETZLAR, J. H. GARDINER. T*liyslcal Gcogx'apliy. A. D. PIPER, THOMAS TENNENT. iPolitical Hlstoi'y. J. S. HITTELL, EUGENE LIES, W. B. FARWELL, J. W. DWINELLE, JOSEPH W. WINANS. ^ I» XI ■plication. ARTHUR B. STOUT, M.D., J. 0. EARL, A. G. RANDALL. ©peolal ComTTiittee on Leottiroe. C. R. BOND, E. H. WASHBURN, ARTHUR B. STOUT., M.D. ©uttei* Testlnaonlal X^xind. S. R. HARRIS, J. R. SNYDER, A. G. ABELL, H. M. GRAY, S. BRANNAN, 0. P. SUTTON, P. A. ROACH, WM. L. DUNCAN, I* la o t o g: x» a p li s-i . A. B. PERKINS, A. D. PIPER. "Visiting:. S. R. HARRIS, ANNIS MERRILL, C. H. HARRISON, H. KIMBALL, N. HOLLAND. S p e o i a 1 H 11 i 1 cl i 11 g: C o m in i 1 1: e e . WILLARD B. FARWELL, S. BRANNAN, PETER DONAHUE, ALEX. G. ABELL, BENJAMIN O. DEVOE. CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATIOj^. State of California, City and County of San Francisco. To all ivhom these presents may concern : We, Stephen R. Harris, Joseph G. Eastland, and Charles H. Harrison, residents of the city and county of San Francisco, and State of California, members of the Society of California Pioneers, and judges holding the election hereinafter mentioned, do hereby certify that, on the seventh day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, a meeting of the mem- bers of the said Society, which was not yet incorporated, but was intending and seeking so to be, pursuant to an act of the Legisla- ture of the said State, entitled "An Act concerning Corporations," passed April the twenty-second, a. d. 1850, and the amendment of said act, passed April the eighth, a. d. 1862, was holden, agree- ably to public notice, for the purpose of electing officers thereof, and accomplishing the purposes of such incorporation. That at such meeting, after the same had been duly organized, Henry M. Gray presidmg, and WiUiam R. Wheaton acting as Secretary thereof, Owen P. Sutton was duly elected President ; Richard Chencry, Ephraim W. Leonard, James Lick, Lewis Cun- ningham, and Joseph W. Winans, Vice-Presidents ; William L. Duncan, Secretary ; John H. Turney, Treasurer ; and Horace Hawes, J. PL Widber, J. E. do la Montagnie, John 0. Earl, W, K. Van Alen, J. H. Stearns, and William Henry Tiffanj^, Direct- ors of the said Society, for the term of one year from the seventh day of July, a. d. one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two. That the said Directors, and the said Owen P. Sutton, President, William L. Duncan, Secretary, and John H. Turney, Treasurer, 10 were duly elected a Board of Directors, ten in number, for the said term, to take charge of tlic estate and property belonging thereto, and to transact all affairs relative to the temporalities and business thereof; and that we, the said Stephen R. Harris, Joseph G. Eastland, and Charles II. Harrison, judges of the said election, having been duly appointed, upon canvassing all the votes polled thereat, and finding that said officers had been duly elected, and constituted the said Board of Directors, did thereupon return them as such. And we further certify that said election was fairly and legally conducted, and in strict conformity with the rules and regulations of said Society ; and further, it is hereby specified : That the name by which said corporation shall and desires to be forever hereafter called and known is " The Society of California Pioneers; '' That it is designed to be, and is, a moral, Ijencficial, literary, and scientific association, and that its objects are : To cultivate social mtercourse, and form a more perfect union among its members, and create a fund for charitable purposes in their behalf; To collect and preserve information connected with the early set- tlement and subsequent conquest of the country ; To form such libraries and cabinets, and to pursue such literary and scientific objects as the said Board of Directors may from time to time determine, and in all appropriate matters to advance the interests and perpetuate the memory of those whose sagacity, en- ergy, and enterprise induced them to settle m the wilderness, and become the founders of a new State. In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and affixed our seals, this twenty -first day of January, a. D. 1863. S. R. HARRIS, [l. s.] JOS. G. EASTLAND, [l. s.] C. 11. HARRISON, [l. s.] Filed in the office of the County Clerk of the city and county of San Francisco, this twenty-eighth day of January, a. d. 1863. WASHINGTON BARTLETT, Clerk. By W.M. Hakxky, Deputy Clerk. CONSTITUTION OF THE * SOCIETY OF CALIFORNIA PIONEERS. Organized August, 1850 : Amended May 4th, 1863. ARTICLE I. This Society shall be called and known as the " Society of California Pioneers." It is designed to be, and is, a moral, benevolent, literary, and scientific association, and its objects are : To cultivate social intercourse, form a more perfect union among its members, and create a fund for charitable purposes in their behalf; To collect and preserve information connected with the early set- tlement and subsequent history of the country ; To form such hbraries and cabinets and pursue such hterary and scientific objects as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine, and in all appropriate matters to advance the interests and perpetuate the memory of those whose sagacity, en- ergy and enterprise induced them to settle in the wilderness^ and become the founders of a new State. ARTICLE II. The Society shall be composed of two Classes. To the First Class, aU who were residents of Califorma prior to the first day of 12 January, 1840, and tlic male descendants of all such \ybo were members, shall be eligible. To the Second Class, all who were residents of California prior to the first day of January, 1850, and the male descendants of all such who were members, shall be eli- gible. Honorary members may be admitted without these qualifi- cations, in accordance with such provisions as may be made in the By-LaAvs. ARTICLE III. Any person, duly qualified, desiring to become a member of this Society, shall be proposed and balloted for in a manner to be pre- scribed in the By-Laws ; and any person who shall have been once balloted for and rejected, shall not again be proposed for member- ship within one year from the date of said rejection. ARTICLE IV. Each person, on admission, shall pay such fees as shall be pre- scribed by the By-Laws ; and all funds arising therefrom, or from monthly dues, or from donations, (luiless said donations are given for other specific pui-poses) shall, after the current expenses of the Society have be'cn paid, be devoted solely to the purposes for which, in Article I, it is declared that this Society is instituted. ARTICLE V. The officers of the Society shall consist of a President, five Vice- Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Marshal, and a Board of Directors, to consist of seven members, all of whom, except three of the Vice-Presidents, shall be residents of the city of San Fran- cisco. ARTICLE VI. Stated meetings of the Society, for the transaction of business, shall be held on the first Monday of each month, and at such other times as the President shall deem necessaiy. The annual meeting of the Society, for the election of officers, shall be held on the sev- enth day of July, in each year, (except when that day shall happen on Sunday, in which event the meethig shall be held on the day following) that being the anniversary of the conquest of California, 13 and the daj the American flag was first raised on the soil of this Territory ; and at such meetings the annual reports of the officers of the Societj shall be made. ARTICLE VII. The officers 'of the Society shall be elected by ballot, and shall hold office for one year, and until their successors are elected. ARTICLE VIIL The Board of Directors shall meet for business at least once in each month, and a majority of the Board may fill any vacancies which may occur in its own body. The President, Secretary, and Treasurer, shall be ex officio members of the Board, a majority of whom must be present in order to form a quorum for the transac- tion of business. The Board of Directors shall enact By-Laws for the government of the Society, which, with all other of its pro- ceedings, shall be laid before the Society at its first meeting there- after ; and it shall be competent for the Society to alter, amend, or reject any such By-Laws, by a two-thirds vote, when there are not less than thirty members present, and not otherwise. ARTICLE IX. This Constitution shall not be altered or amended unless by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at a stated meeting, at wliich time there shall not be less than thirty members present ; and all such alterations and amendments shall be proposed at some meeting at least one month prior to such stated meeting, and shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the Reading Room at least fif- teen days prior thereto. But it shall not be in the power of this Society to alter the qualifications for membership named in Article II of this Constitution. ARTICLE X. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Society and of the Board of Directors, and shall determine the order of business in each. He shall strictly enforce the provisions of the Constitu- tion and By-Laws, and shall see that all officers and committees 14 perform their respective duties. He shall sign all laws, resolutions, and orders, passed by the Board of Directors. lie shall neither make nor second any motion or resolution, nor take part in any debate while in the chair, lie shall inspect and announce the result of all ballotings or other votings by the Society. Any Vice- President, in the absence of the President, shall exercise the same power and authority as the President. ARTICLE XI. The Secretary shall keep correct minutes of all the proceedings of the Society and Board of Du-ectors ; shall record its By-Laws, Rules, and Ordinances, in a book to be kept solely for such pur- pose ; shall preserve a register of the names of members, and keep a correct account therewith ; and shall collect and pay over to the Treasurer all moneys due the Society. He shall be responsible for the safe keeping of all the books and papers belonging to the Society, excepting those of the Treasurer. He shall certify all accounts and records, under the direction of the Board of Direct- ors ; and shall countersign all orders on the Treasurer signed by the President. He shall make reports of his accounts at such times as may be required by the Society ; shall report the name of each member in arrears to the Society immediately preceding the election for officers ; and shall be exempt from the payment of dues, and serving on committees. He shall, whenever dii-ected by the President, give the members and Board or Directors proper notice of all meetings, and shall perform the duties of Corresponding Sec- retary. He shall be ex officio Librarian of the Society ; shall receive and preserve all books, maps, pam])hlets, records, maga- zines, etc., which may be purchased for, or donated, or loaned to the Society, and be responsible for the same ; and shall keep a record of the names of such donors. He shall also perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors ; and shall give such bonds for the faithful performance of his duties as may be ordered by that Board. 15 ARTICLE XII. The Treasurer shall keep a book in which he shall record all receipts and disbursements, and shall report the same annually, or at such periods as the Society may require. He shall pay no moneys -without an order signed by the President and counter- signed by the Secretary. At the expiration of his term of office, he shall deliver all books, papers, moneys, vouchers, and other property belonging to the Society, in his possession, into the hands of his successor ; and shall give such bonds for the faithful per- formance of liis duties as may be ordered by the Board of Direct- ors. ARTICLE XIII. The regalia of the Society shall be as follows : The regalia of the President shall be a scarf of gold lace, trim- med with silver bullion, with a rosette of the class to which he belongs, with cross mallets of silver attached. Ex-Presidents may, at their option, either wear the past regalia of the office or a rosette of the class to which they respectively belong, with cross mallets of silver attached. That of the Vice-Presidents shall be a silver scarf, and rosettes of their respective class, with cross axes of silver attached. That of the Secretary shall be a rosette of the class to which he belongs, with cross pens of silver attached. That of the Treasurer shall be a rosette of the class to which he belongs, wuth cross keys of silver attached. That of members of the first class shall be a red rosette, with a green center, on which shall be a golden P. That of members of the second class shall be a white rosette, with a blue center, on which shall be a silver P. That of the honorary members shall be a blue rosette. All of the silver insignia of office shall be worn upon the left breast. ARTICLE XIV. The Librarian shall have full charge and control of the rooms occupied by the Society, subject to the direction of the President and Board of Directors, and for his services shall receive such remuneration as may be provided in the By-Laws. 16 ARTICLE XV. It shall be the duty of every member of the Society to use all laudable eftbrts to collect aud procure such records, relics, minerals, curiosities, etc., connected with the early history of this State, as may be useful and beneficial to this assoMation, and to forward the same, together with any information that may be of interest to the Society, to the Secretary, at San Francisco. ARTICLE XVI. The annual celebration of this Society shall take place on the ninth day of September in each year, unless that date shall happen on Sunday, in which event it shall take place the day following. ARTICLE XVII. Members guilty of misconduct may, upon conviction, (after a proper investigation) be expelled, suspended, fined, or reprimanded, by a vote of two-thu-ds of the members present at any stated meet- ing, provided there be not less than thirty members present ; and any officer of this Society may be removed from his office by the Board of Directors for such cause as, in its oiiinion, may be deemed sufficient, provided that such proceeding shall have no effect until it is confirmed by a two-thirds vote of all the members (there being not less than thu'ty) present at a stated meetmg. BY-LAWS. SECTION I. Each person, on admission as a member of this Society, shall pay into its treasury tlie sum of five dollars, and shall sign the Constitution with his name in full, together with his place of birth, residence, occupation, and the day, month, and year of his arrival within the limits of this State. And if any person residing in or in the immediate vicinity of the city of San Francisco shall, for one month after his election, or if residing in any other part of the State shall, for six months after his election, neglect to pay his ad- mission fee and sign the Constitution, he shall be considered as having declined to become a member, and the members who recom- mended him shall be held responsible for the amount of his admis- sion fee. SECTION II. Every member of this Society, over the age of eighteen years, residing in or in the immediate vicinity of the city of San Fran- cisco, shall pay into its treasury one dollar per month, quarterly, in advance ; and every such member residing elsewhere shall pay into its treasury five dollars per annum, in advance. Any member residing in or in the immediate vicinity of the city of San Fran- cisco, who shall neglect for six months to pay such dues, or residing elsewhere shall neglect for one year to pay such dues, shall be stricken from the roll of membership. But any member so stricken from the roll, upon payment of all arrearages, shall by that act be restored. 2 18 SECTION III. Any member who shall be in arrears for dues for more than three months shall be inehgiblc to office, and shall not be entitled to vote at any meeting, or to enjoy the honors of this Society in any manner. SECTION IV. On the payment of seventy-five dollars by any member, he shall be released from all further payment of dues, and shall be consti- tuted a Life Member of the Society. SECTION V. All moneys received for life membership shall constitute a special fund, to be invested at interest, the principal of which shall be kept intact, though the interest may be placed in the general fund. SECTION VI. Any person who shall become a member fraudulently, by making a false entry of the time of his arrival withm the limits of this State, may be expelled from the Society, by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at any stated meeting. SECTION VII. 1. Every applicant for membership shall be proposed by two members of the Society, who shall present to the Secretary his full name, place of residence, occupation, and the date of his arrival in California, all of wliich the Secretary shall record in a book of reg- istry, to be provided for the- purpose, and he shall also post the name of such apphcant conspicuously in the Rooms. 2. Ten days before the regular monthly meeting of the Society, a ballot box, locked, and the book of registry above named, shall be placed upon a table beneath the hst of names posted as above ordered by the Secretary, together with a sufficient quantity of pieces of paper, or cards, to be used for ballots, large enough to contain a single name, with the Avords " Yes " or " No." 3. The ballot box and book of registry bemg thus prepared, any member of the Society may, at any time prior to the opening of 19 the box at the next regular monthly meeting, write the name of each of the candidates upon whose appHcation he desires to vote, separately, upon one of the ballots, with the w^ord " Yes " or "No," as he may wish to vote for or against his admission ; and upon de- positing the same in the box, he shall record his own name in the book of registry, under that of each of the candidates upon whose application he has voted. 4. At each regular monthly meetmg of the Society tellers shall be appointed by the President, who shall open the ballot box, com- pare the ballots upon each apphcation with the registry, and an- nounce the result in each case. Three negative votes shall reject. No candidate shall be declared elected who shall not have received at least fifteen votes in the affirmative ; and no ballot shall be coimted which does not bear the w^ord " Yes " or " No." 5. If the number of Ijallots bearing the name of a candidate does not correspond with the number of votes registered in his case, and it shall appear that the consequence of such discrepancy might by any possibility affect the result of the vote, the action in that case shall be declared void, and another ballot may at once be had, or the name may be again presented, as before, durmg the succeed- ing month. 6. No election for membership shall be announced at any other than a regular monthly meeting of the Society, and no elected ap- pUcant shall be considered a member of the Society until his ad- mission fee shall have been paid to the Secretary. SECTION VIII. The President shall have power to grant leave of absence to any officer of the Society for a period not exceeding one month, and to appoint some suitable person to perform the duties of such officer during his absence ; provided, that any officer desiring leave of absence shall give the President at least one week's notice thereof. SECTION IX. Whenever it shall be notified to the Board of Directors that any officer of the Society residing in this city is absent therefrom, and has been so absent for a longer period than one month, the Board 20 may thereupon declare the office vacant, and appoint some otlier person to fill the vacancy. SECTION X. Each member when speaking shall address the presiding officer, and when called to order by him shall immediately take his seat ; but he may appeal from such order, and a majority of the members present may reverse it. SECTION XI. In debute, no member shall be personal in his remarks. SECTION XII. All motions, if required by the chair, shall be made in writing, and read by the mover at his seat, before offi)ring. SECTION XIII. No meml)cr of the Society, under the age of eighteen years, shall be entitled to vote at any of its meetings, nor shall be charged with monthly dues. SECTION XIV. Tlie Society may elect as Honorary Members such persons as shall have rendered any distinguished or important services to the Society, the State, or the United States. SECTION XV. The Board of Directors shall fix the amount and approve the bonds of the Secretary and Treasurer, which bonds shall be placed in the possession of the President for safe keeping ; and shall deter- mine the compensation to be paid to the Secretary. SECTION XVI. The Board of Directors shall constitute the Auditing Coimnittee, who shall examine all accounts against the Society ; and no bill or account shall be paid by the Treasurer unless the same shall have been indorsed " apjtroved," and signed by the chairman of that committee, nor until it shall have been signed l)y the President and countersigned by the Secretary. 21 SECTION XVII. In case of the decease or resignation of the President, Secretary, or Treasurer, of the Society, the Board of Directors shall call a meetmg of the Society, within thirty days thereafter, when a suc- cessor may be elected to fill the unexinred term of such officer. SECTION XVIII. All real estate that may be acquired l)y the Society, and all money invested, shall be held in trust, for the use of the Society, in the names of the President, Secretary, and Treasurer, and their successors in office. SECTION XIX. The President, on the decease of any member in good standing shall call a meeting of the Society ; and the obituary and resolu- tions passed at any such meeting shall be pul>lishcd in one of the daily newspapers of the city of San Francisco, and in the paper (if any) published where the deceased resided ; and the Secretary shall communicate the proceedings to the family or relatives of the deceased. SECTION XX. When the Board of Directors shall be satisfied that any worthy member of this Society is unable, for the time being, to pay the monthly dues hereinbefore prescribed, it shall have power to remit such dues. But if any member of this Society, having the ability to pay the monthly dues hereinbefore prescribed, shall refuse to pay the same, and shall not, at the time of such refusal, render an excuse that, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, shall be sat- isfactory, he shall be debarred from visiting the Rooms of the So- ciety, the Secretary shall cause his name to be erased from the roll, and he shall not again be admitted as a member, except by a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors, and upon such condi- tions as the Board shall deem fit to impose. It is further made the duty of the Secretary to post upon the blackboard in the reading room, under the title of " Repudiating Members," the names of all such persons, and he shall keep each name so posted for the term of sixty days. 22 SECTION XXI. 1. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Puhlication, every two months, to uispect the records of the Secretary, and report if such records (as well of the general Society as of the Board of Directors) arc regularly written up, in a precise, correct, and hand- some maimer, and signed by the proper officers of tlie Society. 2. To take a copy of such transactions and prepare them for pubUcation, together with the reports of Standing Committees and Special Committees, addresses, orations, poems, and other original papers, and prepare them for puldication, under the title of " The Transactions of the Society of California Pioneers." 3. "With the transactions of each period of four months, a cer- tain portion of the back transactitnis, uj) to January 1st, 1863, shall be published, until the whole shall be completed. This publication shall be then continued in such a manner that the transactions of every four uionths shall be ready to be issued immediately at the expiration of said term of four months. LIST OF MEMBERS. Names. Life Members. Residence. Abell, Alexander G Life Member Sau Francisco. Austin, Alexander " " Arrington, Wm Virginia C'y, N.T. Ames, T. M Mendocino. Anderson, Wm. N Sau Francisco. Ashly, D. E Life Member Sacramento. Adsit, L. B Sau Francisco. Arrowsmith, David B " Austin, Frank B " Almy, Moses B " Belden, Josiab San Jose. Bartlett, Wasbiugton San Francisco. Benson, John " Brewster, R. E Life Member " Buckley, J. P " Blum, I Blythe, Thos. H Life Member Bond, Chas. R Baker, Frank Life Member New York. Baker, Samuel San Francisco. Brooks, James " Bourne, Russell " Babcock, B. E Life Member Blanchard, D. L Bauer, J. A " Brodcr, A. H Visalia. Briggs, Edgar Virgiuia City. Beard, E. L Life Member Sau Jose Mission. Bufiford, J. L San Francisco. 24 Names. Life Members. Residence. Bayerque, J. B Life Member San Francisco. Brannan, Samuel " " Brannan, Samuel, Jr " " Barker, A. H " " Brown, Wm. II " Brown, Tliomas A " Burdell, Galen Life Member " Byrne, John M " •' Brummagim, Mark " " Brenham, Charles J " " Becker, Bernhard A " " Bassctt, Joseph " " Bolailo, Antonio " Blair, A.^V Watsonville. Bourne, Elisha B San Francisco. Babcock, H. S Life Member " Blackburn, Fred. W Santa Cruz. Berton, Francis Life Member San Francisco. Bassitt, Joseph F " Booraem, H. Toler " Buckingham, C. E " Bruner, Wm. II " Barstow, Alfred •' Baker, G. W Birdseye, J. C Life Member Nevada. Brand, Aristides San Francisco. Birdscll, J. M Virginia City. Burnett, Peter H San Jose. Birgc, J. H San Francisco. Blackburn, "Wm Life Member Santa Cruz. Billings, Frederick " San Francisco. Carpenter, D. n Life Member " Chenery, Richard " " Cunningham, Lewis " Marysville. Crary, 0. B San Francisco. Chapelle, A. Marius Life Member " Crowell, Eugene " " Cutter, James II " " Caswell, T. n Nevada. Carl, Charles San Francisco. Chambers, T. J. A Life Member '• Callahan, Jeremiah " Chace, B. T " 25 Names. Life Members. Residence. Clark, Smyth San Francisco- Conway, Edward Life Member " Chevers, W. II " Casas, F. B., Jr Contra Costa. Cashman, W. F Life Member San Francisco. Colburn, R " Cornwall, P. B Callahan, M. B Calhoun, C. A Life Member " Carl, C. F., Jr San Francisco. Cushing, Volney " Chenery, C. B U.S. Navy. Coleman, Alonzo N Sau Francisco. Combs, J. C " Claxton, G. W Cook, E. A Life Member Craig, Peter " Carpenter, M. B " Cook, Wm. B Life Member " Conley, John " Coit, B. B Crary, George B " Clark, Wm. H Life Member Conner, Edward " Conner, J. W " Clayton, H. J Collins, R. W Cole, Thomas Center, John Life Member " Cassin, Francis " Caduc, Philip " Curry, John " Capp, Charles S " Duncan, Wm. L " Dow, James G " Dewey, S. L Marysvillc. Donahue, Peter Life Member San Francisco. Donahue, James " " Decker, Peter Marysvillc. Defeth, Jacob Life Member San Francisco. Depierris, A. H " Dewey, S. P Life Member " Devoe, B.O " 26 Names. Life Members. Residence. Davidson, B Life Mcinbor San Francisco. Dc Boom, Corn's " " Dcuiscnberg, C. A. C " Drew, N. L Sacramento. Dow, J. M Virginia City. Dikcman, Daniel S San Francisco. Dimon, Jacob S Dows, James Life Member Dwindle, John W " Dam, George W DeLaurencel, Henry Life Member Davis, Alfred E " Davis, Isaac E " Dyer, J. P Dean, Peter DeWolf, S. J Downing, IL C Davis, Daniel Eastland, Jos. G Life Member Ellis, A. J Ellis, John S. Elliott, CD Earl, John Life Member Elliott, S. F U. S. Army. Easterby, A. Y Napa. Eaton, Cornelius J Life Member San Francisco. Eaton, C. B Ellsworth, T Ensign, George IF Life Alembcr Ennis, Wm. J Ellis, David B Eugleberg, Emile A Edwards, E. A Easterby, Frank Gray Napa. Farwell, Willard B Life Member San Fradcisco. Franklin, Selim Victoria. Freclon, T. W Sa„ Francisco. Fisli, J. H San Jose. Fell, AVilliam Virginia City. Faulkner, Wm San Francisco. Faulkner, Geo. L <• Frisbic, John B Life Member Vallejo. 27 Names. Life Members. Residence. Felton, C. N Nevada. Fallou, Thomas San Jose. Flint, Benjamin P Life Member San Juan. Foster, Ninian F " San Francisco. Fall, John " Humbolt. Fowler, M. II " San Francisco. Findla, James " " Frye, J. B Ford, William Folger, Wm. D " Gray, H. M Life Member Grattan, Wm. H " Gardiner, John 11 " " Gibbs, John S " Gillespie, C. V Griffin, B. P Victoria. Gerry, S. R San Francisco. Gibson, II. G U. S. Array. Garcia, J. S San Francisco. Garuiss, J. R " Gould, Thos. F Virginia City. Gillespie, Eugene F San Francisco. Galloway, J. Warren " Godfrey, J. T Gummer, Frederick C " Grcllet, C. C Grant, C. B Gordon, John Life Member " Gates, Horatio S " Gibbs, George W " Galloway, Joseph " *' Gale, Amos " " Green, Henry " Hawes, Horace " Hosmer, Charles Life Member " Hale, H. M Hager, John S Life Member " Hyatt, Caleb Hinckley, W. C Hyer, John G Sacramento. Harvey, M. M Virginia City. Hull, Edward Life Member San Francisco. 28 Namcx. Life Members. Residence. Hittell, John S San Francisco. Hudson, (lOo. A " Hall, Ktl wai-d Life Member Hoyer, Cornelius " Hayden, Gf . (I a Heron, John <• Houston, A. n Life Member " Ilall, E. G .Muripo.-a Holland, Nathaniel San Francisco. _\ Hopkins, S. A Howard, B. C Life Member " Hall, Isaac M Huefner, William ■. Hutchings. J M a Harrison, C. H Life Member '• Huerlin, 0. W Ilife, Levi (;oid HJH, X. T. Hancock, Henry San Diego. Hanford, W. H Mokelumne Hill. Hamilton, John U.S. Armv. Hensley, S.J Life Member San Jose. ' Howard, (!. II San Francisco. Howard, AVm. H <. Hodge, Jno. G Life ]\Iember " Hiiler, Rudolph Ilunsacker, Jas. C Martinez. -' Hopkins, Joseph San Francisco. Hunt, J. Ivcwis '. Harris, S. K Hulibard, Marshall Hitchcock, George B " Hanford, Wm. H Hill, J. Bryant Highton, E. R Haight, Lansing " Hadeler, I lerman " Hall, John F Harkness, II. W •< Hawes, Horace, Jr Haney, Wm. W Hyde, George Life Member Hathaway, Charles II " ] Henarie, 1>. V. B Hoadley, Milo » • 29 Names. Life Members. Residence. Henry, Hugg San Francisco. Hastings, B. F Life Member Sacramento. Hill. E. J Santa Barbara. Hallock, John Y Life Member San Francisco. Hardenburg, J. R " Harmon, A. K. P Sacramento. Hardy, Thomas Life Member Copperopolis. Irvine, James Tife Member San Francisco. J essup, R. M " Joice, E. V Johnson, Frank Life Member. Jones, S.D Keyes, ED U. S. Army. Knox, John San Francisco. Kirkpatrick, 0. A Rio Vista. Kellogg, John G Life Member San Francisco. Kohler, Theodore G " Kimball, Hazen Life Member " Kuner, Albert " Kraner, P. H " Kimball, Leonidas F " Kilduff, Wm. M Life Member King, Henry L " Kohler, Frederick 1) " Kibbc, H. C Kimball, Gardiner C Portland. Ore. Kimball, George II San Francisco. Kirby, R. C Santa Crnz. Kellum, Wm. C San Francisco. Kellogg, James ._ " Kehoe, John Life Member " Lindenburger, T. E " " LeCount, Jno. J " New York. Leonard, H W " San Francisco. Leese, Jacob P Monterey. Lohsc, John F San Francisco. Langton, S. W Life Mcm.ber Downieville. Livermore, " San Francisco. Ludlura, Anthony " " Lane, E. S La Porte. 30 Names. Life Mrmbcrs. Residence. Low, F. F .Marj'sville. Lawrence, J. E Life Member San Francisco. Livingston, IL B " Lindley, Charles Mary.«ville. Lyon, W. S San Francisco. Latson, A. C Lord, D. S Ladd, G. Frank Lies, Eugene " Lawton, Asa T Life Member " Lull, Louis 11 " Lowe, B. F Lynch, Patrick Life Member Virginia City. Loring, Wm. P San Francisco. Lent, Wm. ^[ Life Member Santa Clara. Longlcy, Wm. Rufus The I hirdanellcs. Lewis, Wm. J Larco, Nicolas Life Member " Lynde, J. B " Macondray, F. W Life Member Macondray, W. A ;' " Middleton, John " <• McCarthy, D. C Meeker, S. H Life Member " Montagnie, J. E. de la " Moore, R. Cutler " McDaniel, I) Marr^h, Charles Nevada. McMinn, James B Life Member San Francisco. McNaughton, A. W Mcrcado, Felix '• May, H. W Mandeville, J. AV Life Member Meacham, R Virginia City. McGregor, Joseph San Francisco. Mitchell, Thos. F Life Member Morton, IL J " <• Murphy, M. J " San Jose. Mebius, C. F •• San Francisco. Morrison, Sanmel Santa Clara. Main, Charles Life Member San Francisco. Mathewson, James •' Martin, Samuel B Life Member San I/?andro. 31 Names. Life Memhcrs. Residence. Merrill, Annis Life Member Saa Francisco. Myers, H " McPberson, A. W Life Member " Marselus, B. P Morton, A. G Moore, Treadwcll Life Member Ft. Churchill, N.T. McCreary, A. B. " San Francisco. Massey, Atkins " " Morel, A.J " Moreto, Everisto G " Macy, R.B Mesick, Richard " Moxley, 0. G Life Member " Morton, Reuben " " Marklcy, Levi " Marvin, Charles B Life Member " Mills, Edgar Sacramento. Morrison, Horace San Francisco- Miller, C. H Sacramento. Mooi-e, J. G .... Martin, Addison San Francisco. Miller, J. H Sacramento. Martin, Minor S Life Member San Francisco. Naglee, H. M " U. S. Army. Norcross, D " San Francisco. Norton, Edward " Sacramento. Nutting, Calvin San Francisco. Noah, Joel " Northam, E. F Life Member Nicholson, John " Newton, John B Life Member " Nordheimer, B , Crescent City. Nagle, Wm , San Francisco, Norris, David " Neal, Wm. W Life Member " Neal, Wm. W., Jr Nagle, Geo. D Life Member " Nourse, J. P " " Oliver, D.J " O'Donnell, Hugh " Ogilvie, J " Ogden, Frederick Life Member " 32 Namcx. Life Members. Residence. Parker, Georjje A San Francisco. Pope, John F " Petibcau, E " Price, Samuel " Perkins, O. M Perkins, R. G Life Member " Perkins, A. B Washoe. Precht, Carl Cologne. Pullman, James Life Member San Francisco. Phelan, James " " Pettinos, Geo. F " Piper, A. D Palmer, E. H Perkins, E. T New York. Phipps, E. K Yreka. Parcells, J. J San Francisco. Pioche, Alfred Life Member " Pickering, Loring " Palmer, Clinton " Pcnsam, J. J " Pratt, 0. C Phelps, T.G Pope, 0. C San Francisco. Pope, H. E Parent, Charles L " Pacheco, Romaklo San Luis Obispo. Painter, Jerome B San Francisco. Peters, Charles .... Palmer, Cyrus .... Peck, George .... Patterson, John W .... Papy, J. J San Francisco. Parent, Charles L., Jr .... Paty, John .... Parker, Robert A San Francisco. Poole, Edward A « Peck, George II " Powers, Lucius. Jr Vallejo. Protolongo, Lorenzo San Francisco. Poursilli, Adrian '• Powell, A., Jr « Provost, D. R Life Member Preston, A. B " Paddock, N. C Life Member 33 Names. Life Members. Reaidencc. Qninn, John C San Francisco. Randall, A. G " Ross, Richard " Rosenthal, S " Raymond, S. J " Roach, Philip A Ufo Member " Ryan P '^ Reilly, P. J Life Member " Reed, Robert " " Robinson, J. C " Ricketson, Jno Washoe. Rolfe, T. H Nevada. Rohe, J. T Life Member " Rice, D. W. U Marysville. Reid, Robert K U. S. Army. Rumwell, W. N San Francisco. Reilly, W. T " Richardson, Jesse " Renault, Charles " Reis, Christian Life Member " Reading, P. B " Red BluflP. Redington, J. H " San Francisco. Raccouillet, 11 " Roberts, M. R Paris. Ryan, Edward San Francisco. Ryan, John " Reed, Henry R " Root, Ira C " Rausch, Joseph Life Member " Riley, J. Henry " Randall, Willie W Roberts, Daniel S " Reynolds, R. F " Root, Ira E San Francisco. Randall, James W Life Member New York. Stearns, Abel Los Angeles. Snyder, J. R San Francisco. Sutton, 0. P Life Member Sulhvan, E. L " Stout, Arthur B Shirley, John Life Member Sawyer, Otis V 3 34 Navies. Life Members. Residence. Sharp, Geo. F San Francisco. Simmons, S. C " Sawyer, Jesse Mare Island. Still, Jno. II San Francisco. Scudder, G. M Life Member " Salmon, Francis " Sainscvain, P San Jose. Stearns, J. H Life Member San Francisco. Shelly, AV.N Searls, Niles Nevada. Simson, Robert San Francisco. Sperry, J. A Chinatown. Sharon, Wm Life Member San Francisco. Sweetscr, A.J " Simpkins, C. H Marysville. Seymour, C. H Life Member San Francisco. Stokes, James Monterey. Schmieden, II San Francisco. Spear, Thos. G Sturacke, 0. T Slanty, F U. S. Navy. Spooner, J. II San Francisco. Staples, D. J Stoutenborough, C. II Life Member " Swan, Benj. F Nevada. Schenck, G. Everett San Francisco. Story, Stephen C Shaw, Wm. J Life Member " Snj'der, A. W " •' Sullivan, John *' " Scroth, Charles " Spear, John J " Story, Lafayette •' Storms, Cornelius " St. John, Charles II Tuolumne Co. Stone, Edward P San Francisco. Selby, Thomas II Life Member " Sloss, Louis " Smith, Wm. Fowle Oakland. Smith, J. Clarke, Jr San Francisco. Sohr, Lewis Life Member Mokelumne Hill. Stevens, Robert J " San Francisco. Swazy, Wm. F " U. S. Army. 35 Names. Life Members. Residence. Taylor, Edward Life Member San Francisco. Tennent, Thomas " Tennent, S.J Martinez. Tay, George H San Francisco. Tliompson, W. T Tiffany, E. J Life Member " Taylor, A. C Townsend, J. B " Taylor, Bayard New York. Tiffany, Wm. H San Francisco. Turney, John H Life Member " Todd,*A. n Tallant, Drury J Life Member " Trinius, Charles " Tibbitts, J. P Tewksbury, J. M Life Member " Tucker, J. W " Tennant, J., Jr Martinez. Tucker, Joseph C liife Member San Francisco. Teschmaker, H. F " " Taylor, Wm. P VanAlen, W. K " Vandewater, W. H. Van Caneghem, P. C. L San Jose. Van Voorhes, Wm. W Clinton. Von Smith, A. W Life Member San Francisco. Vassault, Ferdinand '' Van Bergen, John Life Member " Van Ness, Henry " Valiant, Jules Vandevoort, Joseph Life Member " Wadsworth, J. C. L Walton, John Sonoma. Wiggin, Chas. L San Francisco. Widber, J. n Washburn, E. II Life Member " Wood, Theo. J West, F. H U. S. Navy. Williams, H. F San Francisco. Winans, Jos. W Life Member " Winans, John C Wadsworth, Wm. R 36 Names. Life Members. Residence. Williams, Rev. Albert San Francisco. Wyse, N. H Whitmore, H. M Life Member Wheaton. Wra. R Whitinff, M. S Life Member Wilber. K. J Wilbur, Jeremiah F AVilson, C. L Wetsler, Gustave Welsh, James Walker, Thomas Wright, James A Whaley, Thomas Life Member Wilson, S.L Worn, George A Wheeler, George Ward, Thomas Welch, Henry H Life Member Winkler, Adolph Yreka. Wensigner, F. S Life Member San Francisco. Winchester, Jonas Wilmerding, J. C Life Member Waite, E. G Webb, C.C Williams, Henry Life Member Wadsworth, H. W Woodworth, Frederick A Wells, Wra. V Willis, William Yount, George C Napa. Younger, Wm. J San Francisco. OMISSIONS. Capp, Charles S Sun Francisco. Jordan, Rudolpli " King, Wm. A Copperopolis. "TRANS ACTIONS OP THE REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING. Monday, January 5, 1863. The meeting was called to order by the Secretary, who stated, that in consequence of the absence of the President, a motion would be in order to place in the Chair the ex-Presi- dent of the Society. On motion of Mr. Farwell, ex-President Harris was called to the Chair. Ex-President Harris then and called the meeting to order. ELECTION OF MEMBERS. The Chair appointed as Tellers, Messrs. A. B. Perkins, A. D. Piper, Wm. H. Tiffany and J. C. Robinson, who after canvassing the ballot reported as follows : Elected — 17. George B. Hanson, Joseph E. Tucker, Wn;. J. Ennis, Chas. H. Hathaway. Everisto S. Moreto, Henry Hugg, Wm. Rufus Longley, Jonas Winchester, Milo Hoadley, Daniel V. B. Henarie, L-a E. Root, David H. Ellis, R. B. Macy, Richard S. Mesick, Townsend Bagley, Philip Caduc, B. F. Lowe. The Chair declared each of the above named gentlemen duly elected, and members of the Society. On motion adjourned. 0. P. Sutton, Wm. L, Duncan, President. Secretary. INAUGURATION OF THE NEW HALL. SPECIAL MEETING. Wednesday, January 8, 1863. The President, 0. P. Sutton, in the Chair. Meeting called to order at 11 A. M., by the President, who announced that the Society being convened for the purpose of opening and inaugurating their new Hall, would form in pro- cession under the escort of the Montgomery Guard, and march to the building, situated on the north-east corner of Montgomery and Gold streets — which, in future, would be their home. The Marshal, Wm. L. Duncan, appointed by the Chair, then read the following programme, announcing that, owing to the bad condition of the streets, the procession would move on the sidewalk, viz : Kidd's Brass Band. Montgomery Guard. Society's American Flag. President Sutton. Ex-Presidents, two by two. The Building Committee. Architect. Orator and Chaplain. Invited Guests, two by two. Sacramento Pioneers. Members of 1848. The Society's Grand Standard. Vice-Presidents. Board of Directors. Members of 1849 — First Section. Sonoma Bear Flag. Members of 1849 — Second Section. Fremont Battalion Elag. Members of 1849— Third Section. Los Angeles Bear Flag. Members of 1849 — Fourth Section. The American Flag was carried by Mr. Hazcn Kimball ; Society's Standard, by A. D. Piper ; Fremont Battalion Flag, by Mr. Isidore Blum, and the Sonoma and Los Angeles Bear Flags, by Messrs. 0. Livermore and C. H, Harrison. The 39 number of members in the procession, including officers, of both classes, two hundred and seventy-three ; number of invited guests, thirty-four —total, three hundred and seven, The procession passed down Washington to Montgomery, along Montgomery to the intersection of Market, where it re- turned along the eastern side of that thoroughfare to the new Hall, situated at the the northeastern corner of Montgomery and Gold streets. At the Hall, the exercises commenced by a fervent prayer from the Chaplain, Rev. A. Williams, followed by an instruc- tive and eloquent address from the President, 0. P. Sutton. INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT 0. P. SUTTON. Fellow Pioneers : I extend to you a cordial welcome to your future home — the guerdon of patient endurance and of fraternal action. Under your own roof-tree, and by your own hearth-stone, the family to day assemble to exchange mutual congratulations. We have labored long and earnestly to attain this consum- mation. We have struggled through difficulties which might have deterred; we have encountered disasters which might have overwhelmed, and we have sustained conflicts which might, and reasonably, too, have impaired the enthusiasm of others, but, buoyed and sustained by the reflection, that the Society of which we are members, has for its object " the greatest good of the greatest number," we have turned neither to the right hand nor to the left, but have kept directly on, and pursued our pur- poses with undaunted determination and undiminished ardor, until at length, in spite of all these difficulties, disasters and conflicts, we have attained — ( not the goal of our ambition and aspirations, for we " purpose in our hearts to take a nobler flight,") but one station and a proud one, too, on the great high- way of social, moral and intellectual excellence. And now, you have come up here, to-day, with glad hearts and tlirilling pulses, to rejoice in our common success. You stand beneath the roof which your own hands have builded, and are now about to dedicate for all time, as the abiding shelter of all your glorious memories, and the receptacle of all that is noble; all that is valuable; all that is illustrative of your " strange, eventful history." Where, a decade since, primitive simplicity and unbroken quiet slumbered in dull repose, responsive only to tlie drowsy monotone of our western ocean, you, to-day, stand amid the surroundings of graceful art — in the midst of prosperous INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 41 plenty, and amid the never-dying hum of your occidental civil- ization. Proud day for all of us ! And with a full heart, sharing in the emotions of the hour, I say again to you, one and all, a joyous welcome, and God speed ! Brother Pioneers: how others may be aifected upon this oc- casion, I can scarcely venture an exposition, but, for myself, this is the inauguration of a glorious epocli — this imposing dedication of this imposing edifice to the Pioneers of California. The small seed sown years ago has germinated; the stem has broken its earthen prison and struggled up into the sunlight ; the bud is bursting into the full blown flower, and the Pioneer Association has already become an " Institution" amongst us. Surrounded as we are, and standing where we do to-day, what Pioneer does not feel a thrill of genuine pride — but not more genuine than pardonable — that he can lay claim to the distinction of being a California Pioneer ? Is it notliing to contemplate that this wealthy and populous city, — humble still as a centre of refinement and learning, though hastening with rapid stride to rival far older capitals in their grandeur and their science — owes, in a great degree, its existence to us ? Is it nothing to know that we are the absolute owners of this magnificent structure, that this stately edifice — a hall of science and a home of pleasure — is ours? Is it nothing to realize that our infancy was nursed in the lap of poverty and priva- tion, and that with heroic energy we have toiled up to a youth-hood — manhood, we have not yet attained — of ease and comfort and competency ? Is it nothing, in short, to feel that we have thus early placed ourselves in a position enabling us to perform partially, what the Pioneer Association hope, some day, more thoroughly to accomplish — the moral, social and intellectual elevation of its members and thus relatively act upon and beneficially influence the whole body of society? Brothers, permit me to remark that we may very justly feel proud, not only of the position we occupy to-day, but of the place that may be assigned us in history, as the pioneers of what is to be, perhaps, (if the theories of a distinguished but unknown writer, in that remarkable work — the " Vestiges of 42 INAUGURAL ADDRESS. Creation" — shall be verified) a higher and purer civilization than has ever existed on the American Continent. That writer says, " The United States rniglit be expected to make no great way in civilization till they be fully peopled to the Pacific : and it might not be unreasonable to expect that, when that event has occured, the greatest civilizations of that vast terri- tory will be found in the peninsula of California and the narrow strip of land beyond the Rocky Mountains." Are these ideas mere vagaries ? or, are we indeed, now laying the foundations of a great and powerful empire which in the dim and distant future, shall excel in intelligence, refinement, arts, science and, in short, all that has been and may be of a superior civilization on the continent of America ! I dare not, Brother Pioneers, venture the prediction, but I may, at least, suggest, in view of such a possible contingency, that we sliould so conduct ourselves that our names and memories will be revered in all future generations. You, earliest pilgrims to this golden West, are living types of our State. Heterogeneous, and yet assimilated, of every nation and clime; of every creed and form of belief: of oppos- ing political opinions, and multifarious pursuits, yet united by one common bond of union. The representatives of the most conflicting interests, you are nevertheless a unit, in your relations to the State as Pioneers. The spirit of your Constitution, while it isolates you from all that might provoke dissension, or engender bitterness, only asks you to keep alive the associations which bind you to the past and to each other. It asks you to cherish with a tender remembrance the services and characters of your co-laborers; it urges you to collect and preserve all the mementoes by which our history has been illustrated, and, finally, to embalm in the shrine of your memories, and to imitate in the conduct of your lives, the examples of those of your brethren, who, having fought the fight of life with manful courage, have gone to their reward. With all the gay and festive surroundings of this day, com- panions, tliere also mingle some funereal shadows. As the swift years have swept by us, they have gathered into the country INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 43 of eternal silence, many of our noblest and best. They toiled with us awhile — they bore the burden " and heat of the day" — and then fell wearied by the wayside. It is fitting that we shall add a wreath to their voiceless tombs, and give a sorrow- ing tear to their memories. " God's peace be with them." But from these chastening recollections let us turn to a brighter picture. Proud we should be, — proud vve are, when we look at the noble record of our brethren, who, on the bloody fields of car- nage, in the defence of our common country, are, even now, holding aloft the standard of our nationality, or have in the " joyous rush of death gone down." Fellow-Pioneers: A little more than twelve years ago, in the month of August, 1850, a fe\Y gentlemen met together, in this city, for the purpose of organizing a Pioneer Society, the ob- jects of which should be " to cultivate social intercourse among its members; collect and preserve information connected with the early settlement and subsequent conquest of the country, and to perpetuate the memory of those whose sagacity, energy and enterprise, induced them to setttle in the wilderness and become the founders of a new State." This, gentlemen, was a very laudable undertaking, and most nobly did they perform their work. At this distant day, it is scarcely possible, even for us Pioneers, who were not then members of the Association, to properly appreciate the labors of those few men who originated our Society and brought it into successful existence. All of you, however, well remember the period of which I speak, and a retrospective glance at the times will enable you to form, at least, some idea of the diffi- culties which they had to encounter in the accomplishment of their object. It would afford me much pleasure, and I doubt not be grati- fying to you, could I at this time place before you a detailed statement of the struggles, services and sacrifices of those men to whom we are so largely indebted for their efforts to found and perpetuate our organization, but unfortunately, it is not in my power to do so, all the early records of the Society having been destroyed by the fire of May 3d, 1851, except one book, 44 INAUGURAL ADDRESS. in which were recorded the Constitution and the signatures of the members wlio liad attached their names thereto. And from this time to the period of its reorganization, July 6th, 1S53, it would seem that no minutes whatever were kept of its pro- ceedings. At least, none have been found. I liave therefore, thought it not inappropriate on this occasion, when we are just entering upon a new era of our existence, to give a brief out- line of so much of the early history of the Association, as I have been able to gather from the few persons still living in our midst who assisted at its formation. On the 23d of. August, 1850, the steamship "California" arrived in our harbor from Panama, bringing intelligence of the death of President Taylor. Measures were immediately taken by our citizens for the celebration of the obsequies of that distinguished man ; and among other assemblages, was an incidental meeting of a few of the oldest residents who met at Delmonico's Saloon on Montgomery Street. There were only five persons present, namely, W. D. M. Howard, Samuel Brannan, J. C. L. Wadsworth, Talbot H. Green and Benja- min S. Lippencott. Mr. Wadsworth suggested that all the early resident pioneers be invited to unite in a body and take part in the approaching observances. This proposition being cordially seconded, it was agreed that the parties present should notify their friends and acquaintances among the early settlers, and that the proceedings of the meeting should be published. The result was that, on the morning of the celebration — the 29th of August, about forty or fifty of the early pioneers assembled and formed a prominent feature in the large and imposing procession which then marched with mournful tread and muffled drum through the sombre streets of San Fran- cisco. It was this event which seems to have first suggested the idea of a pioneer association, for very soon after, a meeting was held at the office of W. D. M. Howard and the " Society of California Pioneers'' was organized by the adoption of a Con- stitution and the election of its first officers. These were elected for one year only, but owing to the INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 45 extraordinary events of 1851-2, events which kept our citizens in a constant state of alarm and excitement, together with the additional circumstance, perhaps, that there was no suit- able place where meetings could be held, no other election for officers took place until July Tth, 1853. As confirmatory of this fact, I quote the first paragraph of the written records of the Association. " An informal meeting of this Society was held at the Ori- ental Hotel in the City of San Francisco on the evening of July 6, 1853, for the purpose of reorganization : the Society, from unavoidable circumstances, having for the past two years been unable to meet." Nevertheless, its existence was always recognised during that period, and its officers, by the unanimous consent of the members, continued to exercise all the powers belonging to their respective positions. No thought ever seems to have existed of an abandonment of the organization, even durins; that most gloomy period of our City's history, when, scarcely did she arise from the ashes of one desolating fire, ere another still more destructive, swept over her with appalling fierceness, devouring in its flaming folds all within its reach, and leaving nought but blackened walls and smoking ruins as the only evi- dence that here was once a prosperous city. But, from out the smoke and flame of each successive fire, arose the indom- itable spirit of the Pioneer, undaunted, unsubdued, unbroken, and in ringing tones proclaimed that, not only should the city be again rebuilt, but that our cherished society should have a permanent existence — should live, an enduring monument to the "sagacity, energy and enterprize" of the intrepid Pioneers ! Gentlemen: Unfortunately very little else in addition to what has been already stated, can now be learned of the early history of our Association. We know, however, that after the funeral of General Taylor, the Society took a prominent part in the celebration of the admission of California into the Union, on the 29th of October, 1850, and that it was upon this occasion, at the grand ball which took place the same evening at the " California Exchange," on the Plaza, that our beautiful banner, designed by Lieut. Derby, was first displayed. 46 INAUGURAL ADDRESS. From this time, until August, 1852, nothing whatever is known of the proceedings of the Society, and, indeed, it is highly probable tliat during tliat period of twenty-one months, it was never convened. But, upon the death of the lamented Gilbert, — a cherished member of the Association, a worthy and honored citizen, whose life was without blemish and whose death was a public calamity, it again came forth to pay the last tribute of respect to his memory, and convey his earthly remains to their final resting-place. Following this event, and only a few days later, came intelli- gence of the decease of that distinguished patriot and states- man — Henry Clay. The funeral obsequies of this great Amer- ican commoner, were, as you all remember, of the most imposing character. All classes of citizens united in paying homage and respect to the distinguished dead, and among others, the " California Pioneers" appeared in large numbers and took an active and prominent part in the ceremonies of the day. This was the last public appearance of the association during the period of which I speak. Having now given the origin of the Society and all the material circumstances connected with its early history, that is, prior to its reorganization, I deem it proper to add a few statistics showing the present condition of our association. The total number of names subscribed to the Constitution rom the period of its adoption to the present time, is 1,124 ; present number of members paying monthly dues, 333 ; of which there are residing in this city 265 ; in the country 68 ; total number of " Life Members" 135 ; thus showing that we now have 468 active members belonging to the Society. The average monthly receipts during the last quarter, exclusive of moneys received for Life Memberships, have been $479 ; the average monthly expenses during the same period, have been $313 ; leaving a balance to the credit of the "gen- eral" and "building" funds, per month, of $166. It is estimated that the monthly receipts during the next six months will not be less than $1,050 ; expenses per month for same period $360 ; leaving a monthly surplus to be applied to the liquidation of our outstanding obligations of $690. INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 47 The present inclebredness of the Society may be stated to be in round numbers, $15,000, wliich sum, it is confidently ex- pected, will be fully paid and the debt cancelled within the next two years. Allow me therefore, in conclusion, to con- gratulate you on the highly prosperous condition of the association, and on the brilliant future which awaits it, if it be properly conducted. Pioneers: Justice, as well as gratitude, prompts me before I close, to say, that, for a great portion of the material prosper- ity we are now enjoying as a society, we are indebted to the munificent liberality of an old Pioneer —James Lick, He has given us, " without money and without price," the lot of land on which this building stands. We owe him therefore a debt of gratitude which can only be discharged from the Treasury of the heart. No other coin than that contained within its vaults, can or will be offered as a legal tender in liquidation of such obligations as those under which our pa- tron and brother has placed us. It is an immense draft, we confess, but to the last drop — more precious than any glitter- ing ''mint drop" — it shall be paid. So long as of this edifice one stone stands upon another, it, shall be recognized as a monument to the unselfish liberality and uncalculating munificence of our friend and brother, and so long as the Pioneer Association of California shall be banded together in the bonds of fraternal aifcction and social accord the name and memory of James Lick shall never die. Music — ''Hail Colu7nbia" — By the Band. W. B. Farwell, Chairman of the Building Committee then made a verbal report as to its financial condition, alluding to the marvelous increase of the Society, both in numbers and in pecuniary prosperity, since the building of the Hall had been determined on. President Sutton at the conclusion of a patriotic air played in fine style by the band, introduced to the assembly the Orator of the day, Eugene Lies, who in a clear and impressive voice, interrupted only by the applause of his auditory, delivered the followin": address : O R A. T I O DS" By EUGENE LIES, Esq. Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Society of Pioneers : Invited 10 address you upon the occasion of the dedication to your use of this goodly edifice, an occasion which will hold a conspicuous place in your annals, I feel that it requires some self-restraint to avoid indulging in a recapitulation of the brief but miraculous, history of the State we founded, a review of its present wonderful plenty and peace in the midst of civil strife, and a glance at the unparalleled prosperity which the future seems to promise. The theme, however tempting, must be foregone. Not that the subject is exhausted, for it is inexhaustible ; but it has already inspired several eloquent addresses, and I shall be less fearful of seeming to challenge a comparison, or of wearying your attention, if, from the vast picture before my eyes, I sin- gle out, for treatment, some one prominent point with which I chance to be somewhat familiar. To those of us who reached California before the discovery of gold, perhaps no feature of the country appeared more re- markable than the distribution of its territory into large tracts devoted to the pursuits of pastoral life. Not that we were altogether unacquainted with notable instances at home of landed estates of still greater magnitude; but in such instances we had been accustomed to see land treated as merchandise, and purchased, in view of its rise, by individuals who foresaw, or determined to create, a demand; while here, in every glazed- hatted ranchero we met we beheld, not the speculative monop. olizer, or the mere lord paramount, but the actual possessor and occupier of a domain which elsewhere would have con- stituted a principality. ORATION. 49 Unlike the Isliraaelite or Tartar stock-breeders, these did not hold their grazing grounds by tribes ; nor did their flocks range at will over the commons of the nation, as did those of Abraham and Lot until that memorable occasion when " a strife arising between their herdsmen," they agreed that one should go to the left and the other to the right ; but each ranchero was sole proprietor of his own particular tract, extending sometimes to forty leagues, with well defined and universally recognized boundaries, however indefinite these may appear to modern Courts and surveyors. We hardly reflected that land in itself is nothing, and only acquires a value from the labor of man ; that here, the limited industry applied to its improvement was of that character which supports the fewest human inhabitants to the square mile ; that population governs the market price of real estate; and that there was a probability of these vast possessions be- coming absolutely of no value whatever to their owners. The idea of extent alone impressed us. Here was no occasion for the rebuke which Socrates applied to his pupil, Alcibiades, by asking him to locate, upon the map, the territorial wealth of which he was so proud. There are several of these ranches either of which, on a common sized chart of the Northern Con- tinent, would hold a more conspicuous place than does on the map of Europe many a State which has gained a name in His- tory and a voice in the Congress of Nations. Since the time to which I now allude, fifteen years have rolled over. What has become of the rancheros whom we then unduly favored with our envy ? What of the estates which excited that feeling 1 The estates, at least in the northern part of California, have mostly met the fate which attends land in every thrifty com- munity ; by means, fair or foul, they have become divided into parcels, growing smaller by further division every day — each parcel worth more money than the entire quantity in former times. Intelligent labor, concentrated within a practical scope, has awakened the dormant capacities of nature; and hills, once considered valueless, display the wealth of harvests, orchards' 4 . .-:; 50 ORATION. and vineyards, where the hardy cattle of the original settler once scarcely ventured to tread. Of the rancheros — we meet many of the survivors about our streets, dispirited and murmuring, accusing the squatters, the lawyers, the Courts — every thing except their own want of fore- sight and the inexorable logic of events — invoking the pro- visions of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, just as if treaties meant anything in the face of necessity ; just as if the Con- gress of Vienna had not decreed the independence of Cracow the perpetual division of Italy, the autonomy and integrity of the three bleeding remnants of Poland, and placed those '" es- tablished facts" under the joint guaranty of Europe. They seem to upbraid us, as the Monster in " The Tempest": '•This island's mine, by Sycorax my mother, Which thou tak'st from me ; when thou earnest first Thou strok'dst me and raad'st much of me. would'st give me Water with berries iu't?"' forgetting that whether the title vested in Caliban or Prospero, nothing could give interest, attraction or value to the Enchanted Isle until a shipwreck scattered numerous human beings upon its shores. Whatever share of the guilt of dispossessing the ancient owners of the soil of California may fairly be laid to judicial or executive shortcomings, a glance at the dealings of other nations, with the natives of conquered territory, would suggest a comparison not altogether unfavorable to our government. In many a bitter speech and earnest page, the orators and public writers of Great Britain denounced, as the chief cause of the Indian mutiny, the course adopted in regard to land titles in that remote colony, and that " passion of resumption" which dictated oppressive rules of decision, suggested constant suspicions of fraud and led to the annulling of grants which had received the sanction of Warren Hastings, Lord Clive and Sir Hector Munro. Change a few names and dates, add the darker feature of a tardy administration of the law, and those significant denun- ciations will stand as the expression of the complaints of the rancheros of California, except that many of those of the northern part of the State urge that the possession of their ORATION. 5 1 patrimonies has been withheld from them, pending the weary investigation. Indeed some extreme cases are pointed out where the original possessor, without having parted with the fee, cultivates some parcel of his own fields under a precarious lease from the invader. But the rancheros of the southerly part of the State, although entitled to urge some of the same complaints, have enjoyed this invaluable advantage over their northern brethren that they have continued to possess their inheritance without let or hin- drance to this very day. In their local governments they held, from the first, undisputed sway. Judges, of their own language and race were elected by them, representatives and Senators who could only address their respective Houses through inter- preters ; no supervisor, county clerk, sheriff or assessor was ever nominated without their assent ; even in those counties where they could boast no positive majority, their united num- bers constituted a balance of power, among the contending for- eigners, amply sufficient to secure them fair play. It chanced that the bulk of immigration did not settle that way, and this in the face of the fact that, for several years, their section was the highway of all the immigration ; few unscru- pulous settlers infringed their lands, their cattle ranged undis- turbed within boundaries respected by all; their ancient cus- toms were codified, at their instance, in our statute book. For years their herds supplied the northern stalls without com- petition. The cheap labor of Indians was theirs ; the mines were open to their adventurous poor; and if their wants in- creased somewhat with the growing luxury of the times, they could now be supplied from a neighboring market at rates that would have astonished the cotemporaries of Figueroa. With all these advantages how do they stand now? Why, in their present condition, they might well envy their despoiled countrymen of the more populous section. With undiminished herds, ranging over uncurtailed possessions, many are unable to procure the commonest comforts of civil- ized life. One sudden fluctuation in the price of their one staple, and the nothingness of their apparent wealth stands demonstrated. Their one market closed or over-supplied, the 52 ORATION. total value of their herds becomes equal to that of so many hides — less the labor of preparing them for shipping. "What crops Ihej may raise avail them nothing beyond the actual sup- port of life ; there is no population to consume them at home, or to keep the roads in repair, or create harbor facilities. The lord of many leagues in the midst of his vast possessions finds himself in a position the reverse of that of the ancient King whose touch was fabled to possess the power of alchemy. Mi- das turned into gold everything within his reach. On the con- trary, the ranchero is unable to convert anything into coin. The fact of his proprietorship has stamped the character of a wilderness upon his domain, and that character strips it of its exchangeable value. His only gleam of hope lies in the occa- sional conversion of a neighboring neat cattle range into a sheep walk — a partial improvement, inasmuch as the latter business employs more human labor. The reproach of improvidence and mismanagement is too hastily cast in explanation of the ruin of the rancheros, even as these too credulously attribute the result to the advent of the new government. There are many cases where wealthy and intelligent speculators have succeeded the original pos- sessor, without being more able than he was to turn their pur- chases to any account; and I am credibly informed that a like result attended a similar state of things in Texas. The trutli seems to be that a large tract of land, at a distance from a populous centre, is a most unmanageable property, re- quiring for its administration, and even for its sale in small parcels, an industry and a sagacity that are given to few. It is fortunate that large landed estates should so often prove ruinous to their owners, for they are antagonistic to the system under which we live, and fatal to the progress of tlie State. A Latin writer praises tl\e magnanimity of Pompey for re- fusing, on principle, to purchase any land bounding his own ; he should rather have praised his foresight and his prudence. The question involved is by no means new. Many learned inquirers have attributed the fall of the Roman Empire to the institution of slavery ; they should have gone one step further and urged as a chief cause the distribution of land into con- ORATION. 53 siderable tracts, which encouraged slavery and drove the free- men into the large towns to become the dependants of the privileged classes. The ruin of Italy, says Pliny, came from the " Latifundia," or large estates. The original Roman Constitution limited the quantity of land that any man could hold. Perhaps it went too far, if two jugera constituted that limit ; but as that enterprising nation pursued its conquests and more and more land became the sub- ject of distribution, the Licinian limitation of three hundred and fifty acres to the individual was soon overpassed. Appian says that the nobles and rich men, partly by getting possession of the public lands, partly by buying out the shares of indi- gent owners, had made themselves proprietors of all the lands in Italy, and had thus, by degrees, accomplished the removal of the common people from their possessions. In the provinces the evil was still greater. Many a patri- cian was named in the proscription lists of Sylla or the trium- virs, chiefly on account of their vast landed possessions, and when we read that Nero executed six noblemen who owned, among them, one-half of Africa, we are scarcely at a loss for the motive of their condemnation. The cotemporaries were not blind to the growing evil. At- tempt upon attempt was made to check it ; but the privileged classes defeated or eluded every effort in that direction. Livy tells us that no agrarian law was proposed within his remembrance without causing great disturbance. The Gracchi lost their lives because Tiberius Gracchus at- tempted to revive the Licinian law. The fame of that tribune so successfully assailed by the partisans of the aristocracy has lately been vindicated by modern criticism. Niebuhr ably discloses the true nature of the Roman agrarian bills. They seem to have been, from Licinius to Rollus, the well meant but injudicious efforts of patriots -to prevent large quantities of land from centering in few persons, to the impoverishment and demoralization of the community. But as soon as the effeminate population of the world's metropolis lost all self-reliance, and, long fed by the tribute of the provinces, only clamored for bread and circus shows, the 54 ORATION. memory of the patriot vras easily blackened as that of a perni- cious agitator. In France the enormouj landed wealth of the nobility and clergy explains the Great Revolution better than does any po- litical grievance. Elsewhere the Reformation not only main- tained, but justified itself, by abbey lands. The noxious ten- dency of the doctrines taught by the Jesuits would hardly have appeared so manifest but for their extensive estates. When the decree for their expulsion reached Peru, Lima consoled itself with the reflection that one-fourth of all the houses and lots would pass from clerical to laical hands. The statutes of mortmain in England, and similar enactments, everywhere show how jealous the legislator has been, from Justinian to later times, lest corporations in their nature, should monopolize large quantities of land. In Spain, the learned and eloquent Jovellanos raised his voice, long disregarded, against the national evil of landed monopolies. With unanswerable logic and withering sarcasm, he assails the conservative notions concerning vested but fatal rights to landed property in large tracts, and especially that most pei*nicious of all ownerships, the ownership by pueblos of considerable domains. The crowns of Europe have long since recovered from the hallucination that large royal demesnes constitute any true available wealth. They prefer to see those demesnes distri- buted into private hands, and trust, for their revenues, to the inexhaustible resource of taxation. And on this point the sovereign and the people are of one mind. For the latter have experienced that, under certain administrations of excep- tional vigor, extensive crown lands became an instrument of tyranny. The furstcnguter or crown lands of the Saxon mon- archs, were sufficient to defray the expense of government. Diminished by Norman donations, they were increased by church spoils. Their profuse distribution by William III., though censured by subsequent legislation, furnished, of itself, an important constitutional guaranty to the people of Eng- land. And yet, in our age, and in our very midst, there are those who, mindless of all the teachings of political economy, ORATION. 55 would consider it an object that a city should assert, by way of procuring a revenue, a claim derived from Gothic customs, and supported by Zaraorana documents and other muniments of equal import and significance, over a whole broad peninsula like this upon which we stand. It is not only in the instincts of the masses that we trace the general conviction of the evil results of Latifundia. The jeal- ousy of the legislator has almost everywhere guarded against their perpetuation. The civil law compelled the distribution of the estates of decedents. It reduced the power of bequest and devise to the narrowest limits. All the heirs of like de- gree shared alike, with certain scrupulously noted exceptions. These provisions were not solely intended to protect the natu- ral rights of children to a father's property, but to avoid the accumulation of real estate, or rather to prevent its possessor from becoming a corporation sole, achieving thus a legal immor- tality by the agency of entail. I am confident that a contrary policy has never been adopted except where a conquering tribe, after subjugating a nation, instinctively resorted to the system of entail for the purpose of self-protection. In that view the feudal code is not so much the invention of the northern invaders of the Roman Empire as the natural result of their position, and the Talookdar of Hindostan forcibly reminds us of the Baron of Western Eu- rope, the Aztec chieftain of the Norman noble, and the follow- ers of Ruric of those of William the Conqueror. The droits d' ainesse of the French sank in the great storm which swept away so many abuses ; the Mayorazgos of Spain have been abolished by gradual enactments. Even in Great Britain, that stronghold of modern aristocracy, it has been found necessary to demolish some of the more ruinous parts of the Gothic structure of entail. And Russia, that nation " with the European face and Asiatic heart," is now putting the vast possessions of her nobility upon their trial. In almost all the States — United or disunited — of our great Republic, some statute has been adopted limiting the power of entail to a given number of lives in being at the time. Indeed I know but one exception, and this occurs in our own State. 56 ORATION. This singular omission may perhaps bo attributed to oversight, but certainly not to any sinister premeditation. Many enact- ments seem pointed against land monopolies. The territorial acquisitions of corporations are limited to a specific quantity. No individual can locate more than three hundred and twenty acres of school lands ; and the mere fact of possession is here raised, by statute and adjudication, to a degree of dignity un- surpassed elsewhere. The Republic of Mexico, after vainly endeavoring to make the public lands a basis of public credit, stumbled upon the more effectual expedient of giving them away. Her regula- tions to that effect seem to have been enlightened as well as liberal, and their partial failure was attributable to peculiar causes. One of these was perhaps the erroneous construction given to the limiting clause of one, four and six leagues, re- spectively, of different classes of land. The Governors summed up these figures and considered the total, eleven leagues, as the only limit to the granting power, a construction, strangely enough, adopted by our own Courts. The experience of the United States has not been altogether dissimilar. My hearers are doubtless familiar with the details of our gradual change of policy, from the original idea of de- riving a considerable national revenue from the domain, to the more advanced and liberal system of giving away the land to the actual occupant. Nor are the people indebted for these latter measures to the magnanimity of statesmen or their own foresight. It took more than half a century's experience to demonstrate the expediency of the present scheme. I am informed that the transactions in land of the Govern- ment for the year commencing July 1st, 1850, and ending June 30th, 1851, gave a result more favorable than the average, with the exception of the year 1836, when there raged an epidemic of land speculation. Let us judge from that result of the availability of the public lands as a source of revenue. During that year 1,846,847 49-100 acres oi laud were sold for a sum exceeding the minimum Government price by more than $60,000, viz: $2,370,947 45. Of that amount there failed to reach the Treasury for various causes the sum of $18,642 15; ORATION. 57 the incidental expenses to be deducted were $153,341 17 — total to be deducted, $171,983 32 ; leaving a net income of $2,198,964 13. But from that net total there are still to be deducted a sum equal to the general appropriation for the Surveyor General's Department for the ensuing year, or $611,975 47; and a further sum of $155,305 — making together $767,280 47 ; leaving a final balance of $1,431,683 66 as the sum fairly applicable to the general wants of Government from its sales of land for that year. And I suspect that if several items properly chargeable to this account were considered, such as payments to extinguish foreign or Indian titles, explo- rations by the topographic corps, hydrographic surveys, and the segregation of 2,454,000 acres of bounty lands given away during that year, it might be found that the Government ran in debt to support its land system. That the pecuniary result attending the system of granting homestead farms as a free gift will be directly more favorable I do not pretend to say. But at all events we have foregone (I trust forever) the unstatesmanlike pretension of raising a revenue from the public domain. And when we consider that, under the hampering influence of tlie old system, thirteen new States, commencing with Ohio and ending with California,were carved out of 506,000,000 of our public acres, we may confi- dently look to a not very remote day for a solution of the problem, in a lack-land Government and a wilderness teeming with tax-payers. From this hasty review of facts I only claim, for the present, to have established that there exists a universal jealousy of the accumulation of landed property, whether in the hands of individuals or of governments. To set forth the rationale of that feeling would exceed my limits, and, most probably also, my capacity. But I would argue from its prevalence that it must proceed from some cause equally general. So many nations, circumstanced so difierently and with such ample opportunities for comparison, can hardly be supposed to have reached, through common inaptitude, a common political blunder. There is no such feeling against the accumulation of money 68 ORATION. or other chattels. Whence this difTcrence, unless that there is no limitation to the multiplication of those commodities, whilst land is essentially finite in point of extent. There is no in- creasing its quantity. And as to its products, their multipli- cation depends so entirely on the intelligent labor of man that the commonwealth is directly concerned — not that each man should have a farm, a trite absurdity — but that many separate farms should have separate masters. In other words, it would seem that when you have ascertained that quantity of land which any one man can thoroughly cultivate, you may rest assured that frequent instances of excess beyond that standard point are fatal to the community, and, ultimately, to the indi- vidual properties. The latter proposition would seem as obvious as the first but for the eternal struggle of the more fortunate classes to stamp the character of durability upon their wealth by large invest- ments in land, and but for their occasional success, arising solely from the small relative number of such investments. It is not contended for here that a rancho, surrounded by small farms, or a one hundred vara lot in a populous city do not constitute positive available wealth, but that a country dis- tributed into ranchos will remain a poor country, even as a city of many one hundred vara lots will remain a " City of Magnificent Distances." To tlie apparent exceptions that might be mentioned to this rule, it may be sufficient to answer that the reckoning day will yet come, and that many a political sky, now fair, may soon re- echo the thunder of 1789. The progress of Russia and Great Britain ,as conspicuous as the rent-rolls of their nobility, might be urged with some force against our view, but for the cry of absenteeism, pauperism and steward-administration which reaches us alike from both countries. In England the inclination and facilities for emi- gration have constituted a safety-valve against explosion. The enormous wealth and rural tastes of her gentlemen have per- mitted and suggested improvements on a scale impossible else- where, whilst her vast manufacturing and commercial centres furnish a refuge for a distrained tenantry, and a market for the ORATION. 59 yield of patrician herds and flocks as well as for the forage and timber of princely parks and artificial forests. If one single British family has been engaged since the beginning of the present century in planting yearly 300,000 forest trees, we hardly know which to admire most, the sagacity that devised that investment, or the unlimited resources that ensured its suc- cess; and we may still safely repeat the maxim of Adam Smith, that the source of wealth is, not land, but labor. In Russia, the country gentleman appears to be almost un- known. Basking in the imperial sunshine, employed in the army, the civil administration, or some distant diplomatic ser- vice, the Russian noble leaves the care of his estates to an intendant, often a foreigner. His serfs owe him their lands, their goods, their houses, their children, and one half their time for manorial service. In return they are allowed each a cottage, a garden, and a plot of land to support themselves and their families. Adscripti glebce for nearly three centuries, they seem to be contented with their lot, and to look with but little enthusiasm at the prospect of enfranchisement which the auto- crat holds forth before them Indeed, the transition from the notion that the man belongs to the land, to the converse idea that the land belongs to the man, is so slight, that the serfs are said to view the small price exacted for the freehold of their tenements, and in exchange for their freedom, as a piece of ar- bitrary oppression. And if we reflect that one single edict reduced the whole race, in 1596, to their present condition, and that their landlords can generally show no better title than long possession to lands originally granted to the ancestor for life only; and if, on the other hand, we bear in mind that, in theory, the serf belongs, not to the master, but to the master's land, the objection does not seem ill taken. At all events, whether or not these and similar examples militate against aught I have said heretofore, it will readily be conceded that the spirit which furnishes a tenantry to enable a landlord to cultivate a whole province by deputy, is foreign to our manners and inconsistent with our institutions. Going one step beyond tenantry, villainage, the glebe and serfdom in all its forms, positive slavery would seem to furnish 60 ORATION. a solution to the difficulty. Any inquiry into its morality would be here in questionable taste. The most learned and ingenious of all tlie ancient philosophers, when called upon to justify the institution in his own day, said: " to the Greeks be- longs dominion over the barbarians, because the former have the understanding to rule, the latter the body only to obey." This vindication that Aristotle applied to the owncr.-hip, by an Athenian, of a captive from the banks of the Seine, the Tagus, the Elbe, or, perhaps, the Thames, will tell with double force against a race apparently of a distinct creation, certainly of inferior average mental capacity, as viewed to-day. Our business is with material results, and we may safely as- sert, census in hand, not only from ancient experience, but from our own, that even, with the powerful auxiliary of slavery, States whose territory is vested in comparatively few hands, cannot compete in general progress with those which have adopted the contrary system. It is true that the adjunct in question, disposes of several ot the objections raised against the policy of Latifandia. Not only is the owner's laboring power multiplied by the number of his hands, but the enormous advantage is gained of the discipline of labor under one intel- ligent head. The result ought to be a more thorough cultiva- tion of the soil, a more complete development of all the capa- cities of Nature. But, strange to say, it seems that this favorable material result only occurs in certain exceptional localities, where the presence of some one great and rare staple in universal demand gives an extraordinary value to the pro- duct of the land. I state, on reliable authority, that in the southwest part of Kentucky, where large estates are devoted to miscellaneous cultivation, it was, quite lately, almost the general rule, that the peculiar wealth in question was a burden to the owner. A gentleman, now in this city, informs me, that several years ego it was his duty, as Master Commissioner, to inquire into the estates of decedents in that section. Every one of tlie large planters whose affairs it became his duty to examine into, had died a bankrupt. But even in these favored localities, where large plantations are possible, the very success of such undertakings brings in its ORATION. 61 train certain attendant evils which the statesman cannot well overlook. Enterprise becomes confined almost to a single ob- ject; the energy of tlie State engrossed in fostering one single overshadowing interest; and it soon becomes apparent that the welfare of the dominant class (as they construe it,) demands imperatively a special legislation inconsistent with such na- tional institutions as ours; that the democratic and aristocratic elements cannot abide together without strife, and that either must perish, or a severance be accomplished. My hearers will remember that the five southerly counties of this State, after repeated yearly petitioning, obtained from the Legislature, in 1859, an act, afterwards repealed, which pro- vided for their secession from California and their organization under a Territorial Government, whenever Congress should see fit to accept the trust. This measure, much condemned at the time, was little understood. In the race with the thrifty North, the Southern rancheros found themselves speedily outstripped; they foresaw the ruin that since has overtaken them. They felt instinctively that their vast possessions were antagonistic to the general spirit that prevailed in the rest of the State. They vaguely realized that they were being ruined by their very wealth, yet they clung to that wealth with the tenacity of despair. Reasoning logically enough from their own mistaken premises, they successfully resisted that invasion of settlers whose labors have converted the ranches of the North into prosperous farms, and they promoted the measure in question, with the not unreasonable hope that a separation from the sec- tion where the contrary policy prevailed, might delay, perhaps avoid altogether, the coming catastrophe. The relief which they deemed they needed was demanded, not with arms in their hands, but peacefully, through the chan- nels of legislation. It was generously granted under a clear conviction of its absolute necessity. Whether this incident sheds any light on the deplorable con- vulsion that now threatens the national life, and whether it points out how, but for fiery counsels and intemperate haste, the mortal struggle might have been averted, I leave my hear- ers to judge. But this remarkable event in the history of Call- 62 ORATION. fornia certainly illustrates at once the weakness and the power, the helplessness and all absorbing ambition of a landed aristocracy placed fairly in contact with the hostile element. I trust that the drift of these remarks will not be misunder- stood. Their sole purpose has been to call attention to some facts in our State's history which illustrate certain well known laws of political economy. It is no part of my aim to invoke the aid of legislation. I should as soon propose a sumptuary as an agrarian law. Neither have I designed, in pointing out the legitimate results of the system of Latifundia, to signal any serious social danger in our path. The day of Aristocracy —a brilliant day — has waned. Its past has been morcusful, more noble, more effectual in the affairs of this world than History has yet been willing to allow. But that part has been played to the very end, and the curtain has fallen forever upon a faded pageant. It belongs not to this age. Wherever it still affects a visible existence, the force of habit or the dread of revolution accounts for the phenomenon. Its life is a galvanic life, fitful and artificial; or rather, what we now behold of it, is only a phantom of its former being which stalks in the dim twi- light, awaiting but to be questioned to disappear forever. Music — ^'Star Spangled Banner^' — By the Band. THE COLLATION. After the Oration of Mr. Lies, the Chaplain, Rev. A. Wil- liams, pronounced the benediction, when, upon the invitation of President Sutton, the Soci ety and invited guests adjourned to the basement, where an ample collation was spread, to which alldid ample justice. The Chairman of the " Committee on Toasts " being pre- vented by illness from being present, all Toasts offered after the first three, were impromptu, and called forth animated and eloquent replies. The first sentiment, offered by President 0. P. Sutton, was the grand motto of Webster, — "Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable." After the subsidence of the enthusiastic applause which this called out. Rev. T. Starr King, after being loudly called for, responded in one of his most racy and witty addresses — comparing the progress of the Pioneers of the Pacific with those of the Atlantic coast. Music — " Hail Columbia." Toast — ■" The Building Committee,'^ to whose taste, energy, and perseverance the Society stands indebted for its elegant and comfortable Home. Responded to briefly but forcibly by the Chairman of the Committee, W. B. Parwell. Music — " Home ^gain." Toast — " Our InviUd Guests." Proposed by President Sut- ton and responded to by N. L. Drew, Esq., President of the Sacramento Pioneer Association. Music — " Here's a Health." Toast — " The Montgomery Guard." Responded to by Ex- President Roach, who in a strain of fervid eloquence eulogized the sons of the Green Isle, and their noble devotion to the laud of their adoption. Toast — " General John A. Sutter, the veteran Pioneer." Pro- posed by Ex-President Roach, and drank with all the honors. Music—" Hail to the Chief:' 64 COLLATION. Toast — James Lick, our friend and patro7i.^' Responded to by E. H. Washburn, who paid due honors to the liber- ality and kind feeling which had contributed in so marked a manner to the success of the enterprise, whose consummation we had met to celebrate. Music — " Should old acquaintance be forgot." Toast — " The President oj the United States." Responded to by Vice-President Jos. W. Winans, who in liis most eloquent vein delivered an eulogy upon the public and private merits of our Chief Magistrate. Mr. Wm. L. Duncan then read a letter from Governor Le- LAND Stanford, regretting his inability to be present, on ac- count of tlie meeting of the Corporation of the Pacific Rail- road, and proposing as a toast : " The California Pioneers and the Pacific Railroad — may the fraternal ties that unite the former be as strong and firm., and as enduring as the bond of unity between the Atlantic and the Pacific States, which will be assured by the completion of the latter." Drank with ac- clamation. Toast — " The Ladies." This time-lionored toast was given by Vice-President Winans, and responded to by Wm. Henry Tiffany, who, it is sufficient to say, did the subject that full and ample justice which was expected of him. Toasts were also given and responded to by Captain Hyde, General Winn, of Sacramento, Henry R. Reed, and during the progress of the entertainment, many others. The reunion was kept up, good fellowship snd fraternal feeling reigning supreme, until the waning daylight warned the members to separate, in order to prepare for the evening's entertainment. THE "INAUGURAL LEVEE." The Terpsichorean entertainment, in the evening, was more fully attended than any party ever given before in this city. Designed, at first, by the Pioneers as a reception, merely, it eventually swelled into the proportions of a magnificent ball ; where were displayed by the fair ones of our city, the most elegant toilettes, and, also, the most amiable indifference to the awful crushing they received. The entire building was thrown open — the supper room being in the basement ; the first and second stories devoted to dancing and the Operatic Concert, and the third to dressing and sitting rooms. The music furnished was superb ; the supper unexceptionable — but the new building was hardly large enough to accommodate the Society and their guests, over 1,800 being present. — Waltzing, until long after midnignt, was out of the question. Dancing was pursued under difficulties, and even promenad- ing was restricted. But ears were open, and all listened to the exquisite music of the Concert. The favorite singer, Madame Bianchi, was in fine voice and sang with much ex- pression and feeling; during the entertainment she was pre- sented by the Pioneers with an elegant testimonial of their esteem. The entire details of both the morning and evening festivi- ties were scrupulously attended to, and reflect much credit on the Committee of Arrangements. SPECIAL MEETING. January 28, 1863. Vice-President Winans in the chair. The chair announced that the meeting was called in order to pay the last tribute of respect and honor to a deceased fel- low member, James Fuller, who, althougli one of the youngest of the Pioneers, had been called while in the bloom of youth, and buoyant, hopeful anticipation, to tread the path to a more distant home. On motion of Mr. Duncan, Resolved. That the Chair appoint a committee of three to draft resolutions appropriate to the occasion. Carried. The Chair appointed Messrs. Wm. L. Duncan, Wm. H. Tif- fany, and Marshall Hubbard, who reported the following preamble and resolutions : Whereas, We are called together to mourn the loss of our brother Pioneer, James Fuller, who, in the very flower and spring-time of manhood, has been called from our midst : and whereas, he was cherished and esteemed by us, not only as a member of our Society, but as a.genial, warm hearted associate, a true and sincere friend, and an honorable, upright man, who, in all the relations of life, bore his part with credit: there- fore, be it Resolved, That this Society deeply deplore the untimely decease of our late brother member, whose youth gave such hopes of promise, and who, by his many good qualities, both of head and heart, had justly endeared himself to all. Resolved, That we tender to the bereaved widow and afilict- ed relations of the deceased, our heart-felt and sincere sym- pathies in this, their hour of trial, trusting that their sorrows will be cheered and mitigated by a firm reliance on that Su- preme and Beneficent Being, who a'onc controls our destinies. Resolved, That this Society, in respect to the memory of our SPECIAL MEETING. 67 deceased "brother, follow his remains to their last resting place, and wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days. Resolved, That these proceedings be entered upon the min- utes of the Society, and a copy presented to the family of the deceased. Wm. L. Duncan, ) Wm. Henry Tiffany, > Committee. M. Hubbard, ) The preamble and resolutions were unanimously carried. The chair appointed as Pall-Bearers, Messrs. B. 0. Devoe, W. K. Van Alen, J. Lewis Hunt, and Wm. L. Duncan. The members of the Society then moved to the residence of the family of the deceased, and thence to St. Mary's Cathedral. Wm. L. Duncan, Secretary. REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING, Monday, February 2, 1863. Vice-President J. W. Winans in the Chair. The minutes of last meeting were read and approved. ELECTION OP MEMBERS. The Chair appointed as Tellers, Wm. Henry Tiffany, A. D. Piper, H. E. Robinson, H. C. Kibbe, J. Lewis Hunt, W. T. Reilley. On motion of S. R. Harris, Resolved — That the Tellers be authorized to retire to count the ballots to the Secretary's office. Carried. REPORTS OP COMMITTEES. Mr. W. B, Farwell, Chairman of the Building Committee, made the following report : To the President and Members of the Society of California Pio- neers : Gentlemen — The business entrusted to the Building Com- mittee is not fully completed, and hence a final report cannot be made. The Committee deem it their duty, however, to ren- der to the Society a statement of their transactions thus far, from which they trust a satisfactory idea ot the result of the building enterprise may be obtained. The total cost of the building, including foundation, furnish- ing and fitting up complete, is $24,941 49 This amount is created by the following items : Contract price for erection of building $14,740 00 Cost of excavation and foundation ... 2,G00 00 Contractors bill for extras 960 00 Cost of slating roof 455 22 do marble mantels 658 00 do plumbing work 911 20 do bowling alleys and fixtures . . 975 00 do plaster, centre frieze, etc 229 33 do bell lianging and speaking tubes 125 00 do extra painting ; sky-lights 100 00 REGULAR MEETING. 69 do partitions, ect 37 00 do book cases 476 00 do three library tables 90 00 do carpets, window shades, etc 1,1G6 80 do chairs 176 50 do extra fine work , 14 10 do gas fixtures, J. K. Prior 654 65 do iron work, Peter Donahue 1,238 65 Of this amount there remains unpaid, $3,688 94, exclusive of amount with contractors, not yet settled, being between the committee and contractors. With the exception of about $1,250 of this sum, payment has been arranged upon such terms as is believed by the Com- mittee will enable the Society to meet it without embarrassment. There is on hand, also, a sufficient amount of cash to pay off the greater part of this amount now due. Until a final settle- ment will be made with the contractors, no complete and de- tailed report can be presented. This settlement will bo made at the earliest practicable moment. The total cost of the build- ing has considerably exceeded the original estimates. This, however, the Committee has found unavoidable, as an exami- nation of the items of their expenditures will show. The cost of putting in the foundation was $1,500 more than was esti- mated by any one who examined the work prior to its com- mencement. To this is 1o be added those indispensable items heretofore enumerated, and which could not have been avoided without detracting seriously from the completeness of the building. The Committee have studiously endeavored to avoid ex- travagance, and can only submit the results which the building and its contents offer to any and every observer, in vindication of their action. If the aggregate cost of the construction of the building has exceeded the general expectation of members, the increase of the Society's revenue has been in like ratio. In fact, not- withstanding the unexpected excess of expenditures, the excess of resources, past and present, arising from the inception and prosecution of the building enterprise, has been more gratifying than was anticipated by the most sanguine. The 70 REGULAR MEETING. net financial results obtained, therefore, can scarcely fail to be in the highest degree satisfactory. The whole number of life members at the date of the adop- tion of the proposition to erect the building, was 64. There are now 143. The whole number of candidates proposed for membership, for the ten months prior to the adoption of the building proposition, was 25. The wliole number proposed from tliat date to the present, less than ten months, is 400. The montlily income ot the Society, from rents, dues, etc., will in a brief period exceed $1,500, with every prospect of a steady increase above that amount — showing that we are entering upon an era of unexpected and almost unexampled prosperity, and opening a future for this association beaming witli great promise. The total monthly interest owing by the Society is $120, or one per cent, on $12,000, — for which amount the property is mortgaged. At the rate of increase from dues, etc., which the past ten months have exhibited, the time is comparatively near at hand when there will be on hand an accumulated sinking fund of $1000 per month, over and above all expenses. It may be confidently expected, therefore, that in less than two years the Society will be out of debt, and in a position of command- ing influence — powerful for the accomplishment of a great public good. But upon this it is not now necessary for your Committee to enlarge. At the earliest possible moment they trust to be enabled to render a full and satisfactory report of their stewardship, and to show that (so far) although they may not have increased that which was intrusted to their keeping an hundred fold, they at least have not, like the wicked and slothful steward, buried their talent in the ground, where it would produce nothing. Until then they will reserve their congratulations to their fellow members upon the splendid future that is before us, growing out of the accomplishment of this most successful undertaking. W. B. Farwell, Chairman. San Francisco, February, 1863. On motion, the report, as one of progress, was accepted, and the Committee continued. REGULAR MEETING. 71 Jos. W. Winans, Chairman of tliG Committee on Honorary Membership, reported as follows : The Special Committee on honorary membership, who were appointed at the last monthly meeting, respectfully report : — That they deem it expedient, and therefore recommend to this Society, to sustain the spirit of Section 14 of the By-Laws, by rejecting all broad and latitudinarian construction, and en- forcing the most rigid observance of its terms, so as hereafter to admit none into fellowship with the names of Lick, Sutter, and Fremont, into honorary membership of this Society, who have not rendered the most important, valuable and distin- guished services to this Society, the State of California, or the United States. But inasmuch as the growing magnitude of this community, and the augmenting influence of the Society itself, equally de- mand an increase of its social privileges, your Committee further recommend the creation of a new order of persons in its organization, to be denominated, " Permanent Visiting Associates," who shall be entitled to all the social privileges of the Society, and the right of permanent .uninterrupted access to, and enjoyment of its rooms, galleries, cabinets, library and collections of literary, artistic, or scientific objects, for the full term and period of their natural lives, without payment of any periodic dues or charges, and their being elected duly to such station by the votes of not less than fifty members, on such ap- plication, in such manner, and pursuant to such conditions and requirements as are presented in Section YII. of the By-Laws, and npon paying an initiation or admission fee of one hundred dollars each, — provided, that not less than five negative votes shall be required to reject an applicant and defeat his election. Provided further, that no such associate, although duly elected, shall ever sign the Constitution, or be entitled to any vote, or hold any office in the Society. And provided further, that every such associate shall be subject in all respects to the pro- visions of Article XVII of the Constitution, for any miscon- duct either in this Society or the community at large. Joseph W. Winans, W. B. Farwell, ) Committee. John 0. Earl, S. R. Harris, 5 72 REGULAR MEETING. On motion the report was accepted. The Chair eiiggcsted that time for reflection be allowed before the report be acted on. Mr. Shew moved to amend as follows : that three votes reject instead of five. On motion of Mr. -Farwell : Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to have the report printed and sent to each member of the Society. Carried. Mr. Randall, Chairman of the Committee on Records, read a report, which, on motion of Mr. Van Alen, was accepted. Debate on the printing of the Records, participated in by Messrs. Winans, FarwcU, Randall, Stout, and others. On motion of Mr. Winans, it was Resolved, Tliat the Report be recommitted to the Committee, with a recommendation to provide for the printing of the future Records, and be allowed to report at a special meeting of the Society on February 16th, 1863. Carried. On motion of Mr. Dwindle it was Resolved, That the Report of the Committee on Honorary Membership be acted on at a special meeting of the Society^ to be held February 16th, 1863. Mr. Winans read the following amendments to Article I, of the Constitution, which he gave notice he would move for action on the next regular meeting of the Society, March 2d, 1863. [See p. 11 Constitution as amended.] Dr. Stout, Chairman of the Committee on Natural History reported favorable progress, and read a communication to the Committee of the Supervisors, requesting that the aerolite, given to the city of San Francisco by General Carlton, might be presented to the Society of California Pioneers, promising therefor to make a full report on the subject of a3rolites. On motion of J. W. Winans : Resolved, That from the first of January, 1863, the salary of the Secretary of this Society, be the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars per month. Carried. On motion of S. R. Harris : Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed by the President of this Society, whose term of ofiice shall be one REGULAR MEETING. 73 year, and whose duty it shall be to visit every sick member, and to tender them, in behalf of the Society, such aid as may be necessary to their comfort or relief. Resolved, That the same committee, on behalf of the Society, shall visit the widow of any deceased member, who in their judgment may require the advice or pecuniary aid of its mem- bers. Resolved, That all oruhans of its members who may require proper counsel to guard and protect them from vice and crime, be sought after by this committee, and their situation reported to the Society. Resolved, That all moneys necessary at present, to carry out the objects of the above resolutions, be collected by voluntary subscriptions among its members. Resolved, That the services of such physicians as are mem- bers of this Society be tendered (with their consent,) to any sick member who may be destitute, and require such attention. Carried unanimously. On motion of Mr. C. R. Bond : Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to form a Lecture Committee, to arrange for a course of lectures for the benefit of this Society: Carried. After a recess of some sixty minutes, upon reassembling and being called to order, the Tellers announced the following result of the ballot for new members : Elected — 62. J. W. Osborne, R. W. Collins, Thomas Hardy, Charles B. Marvin, Thomas Cole, Lewis Berton, John Center, H. Toler Booraem, Joseph N. Rauschj Edward P. Stone, Charles Scroth, William H. Brunuer, Louis Sloss, Emile A. Engelburg, E. G. Waite, W. C. Kellum, Addison Martin, William Willis, Cornelius Storm, Edward A. Poole, Samuel D. Jones, William Ford, William V. Wells, A. Powell, jr., Joseph F. Bassett, Lucius Powers, jr., William D. Folger, Reuben Morton, 74 REGULAR MEETING. F. S. Stevens, A; K. P. Harmon, Amos Gale, Beniamin F. Hastings, J. B. Lynde, R. C. Kirby, S. B. Marklcv, C. L. Parent, jr., Wm. W. Ncal, jr., W. G. English, C. S. Moxlcy, Alfred Barstow, Henry L. King, jr., H. J. Clayton, C.C.Webb, James H. Kellogg, Moses S. Almy, George H. Peck, George W. Patterson, jr., Wm. P. Loring, N. Larco, Peter Dean, J. W. Conner, Wm. J. Lewis, J. C. Wilmerding, Edgar Mills, John D. Spear, jr., J. Henry Riley. Wm. M. Lent, Lafayette Story, J. B. Fry, Samuel J. De Wolf, A. L. Edwards, James Lemman. Withdrawn, 3. Rejected, 5. Signed by the Committee. The Chair announced the sixty-two candidates first named duly elected and members of this Society. The Chair announced that several donations had been made to the Society, viz : By John 0. Earl, Esq., an elegant clock for the Hall. By Jasper J. Papy, Esq., a rare history of California. By John Middleton, Esq., all commissions on sale of effects at old rooms. Mr. Randall gave notice that at the next regular meeting of the Society he would move to amend Article Y, of the Consti- tution, by introducing the appointment of another officer to be elected annually, by the Society, viz. : a Marshal. The Chair appointed as the Lecture Committee, Messrs. Charles R. Bond, A. B. Stout, E. H. Washburn. On motion, adiourned to meet February 16th, 1863. Wm. L. Duncan, Secretary, SPECIAL MEETING. February 16, 18G3. The President, 0. P. Sutton, in the Chair. The report of the Committee on Honorary Membership was read. Mr. J. W. Winans moved that the report of Committee on Records be read. Debate on reading the report, participated in by Messrs. Winans, Randall, Clark, Brannan, and others. Mr. John W. Dwindle rose to a point of order : " Could the report be read if altered from the one read to the Society on February 2d, last?" The Chair ruled, that if the report had been materially altered, it could not be acted on until the next meeting. Question on the motion of Mr. Winans, that the report be read. Division — Ayes, 31 ; noes, 20. Carried. The report was then read by Mr. Randall, Chairman of the Committee : To the President, Officers, and Members of the Society of Califor- nia Pioneers : Gentlemen — Your former Committee on Records having stated to you that the entire records of the transactions of the Society were in an incomplete and defective condition, your present Committee appointed, in consequence, to revise the records, to correct them and to reorganize them, that their completeness and preservation might be re-established and assured, respectfully report as follows : On the 17th of January, 1863, your Committee received from the Secretary, the entire manuscript Records of its pro- ceedings which the Society possesses, and the Committee hav- ing revised the papers, fully confirm the statement of their incomplete and defective condition, as reported by your former Committee. 1st. From the formation of the Society in the year 1850, to the 6th day of July, 1853, no written minutes whatever of the 76 SPECIAL MEETING. transactions of the Society exist ; your Committee are informed that they were destroyed by fire in the years 1850 or 1851. 2d. The records which extend from the Gth of July, 1853, to the 7th day of July, 1855, appear to be complete, and are handsomely written, but are frequently interrupted by the in- sertion of slips cut from newspapers, loosely pasted upon the Records and liable to be lost. 3d. The transactions, which extend from July 7tli, 1855, to July 7th, 1858. are full in regard to facts, but leave much to desire in the style with which they have been colaboratcd ; they are also broken by tlie introduction of slips cut from newspa- pers. This record will require to be entirely rewritten. 4th. The Records from July 7th, 1858, to 7th July, 1862, exhibit great neglect and confusion. Such transactions as have been regularly written up, are correct and elegantly executed, but want the proper signatures for their completion. The transactions of many meetings, however, exist only in the first notes, — have never been regularly registered, and are in a state of confusion. To correct this state of things, the trans- actions alluded to under the first head, will require to be en- tirely compiled anew. For this object, your Committee have already gathered some of the materials, and are in process of collecting more. The proceedings under the second head will require to be detached from the general record ; those under the third head must be carefully revised and entirely rewritten ; while those under the fourth head, require to be written up and completed. The whole work may then be rebound, and will constitute a uniform manuscript of the general minutes and proceedings, and when completed will be presented to the Society for adop- tion, as its legal and regular transactions. But with this reformation of the Records, the most interest- ing events of the Society's existence are necessarily omitted, the description of its anniversaries, its ceremonies, and its pa- geants. The orations, the original poems which they elicited, are not contained therein. The pamphlets published after such occasions are nearly exhausted, and soon, all these interesting events which form the landmarks of the Society will exist only SPECIAL MEETING., 77 in the files of old newspapers. The records of the honors ren- dered to our deceased members will share the same fate. To correct all these evils ; to prevent the future loss of the Society's records by fire or other calamities ; to provide against the inaccuracies of all future Secretaries ; to organize a full edition of the Society's transactions ; to give an incentive to the literary efforts of the members, and to form a medium of exchange witli which to obtain the transactions of other Societies ; your Committee beg leave to recommend the fol- lowing plan : 1st. The formation of a Standing Committee on Publication. 2d. The incorporation in the by-laws of the Society of the following Duties of the Publication Comtnittee : 1st. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Publication, every two months, to inspect the Records of the Secretary, and report if such records (as well of the general Society as of the Board of Directors), are regularly written up in a precise, correct and handsome manner, and signed by the proper officers of the Society. 2d. To take a copy of such transactions and prepare them for publication, together with the reports of Standing Com- mittees and Special Committees, addresses, orations, poems, and other original papers, and prepare them for publication, under the title of " The Transactions of the Society of Califor- nia Pioneers." 3d. With the transactions of each period of four months, a certain portion of the back transactions up to January 1st, 1863, shall be published, until the whole shall be completed. This publication shall be then continued in such a manner, that the transactions of every four months shall be ready to be issued immediately at the expiration of said term of four months. ESTIMATE. One thousand pamphlets of forty-eight pages in small pica type, leaded, may be had at an outside or maximum price of from $130 to $150 — inclusive of occasional variation of type, 78 SPECIAL MEETING. and varying according to the varying price of paper in the market. Forty-eight pages will contain two ordinary lectures or ora- tions — will contain the ordinary transactions of the Society for four months. Reports of Special Committees seldom occupy more than two printed pages. Reports of Standing Commit- tees from ten to twenty-six pages. All the ceremonies at the laying of the corner-stone of the Pioneer Hall, with descrip- tion, oration, poem, etc., are printed in twenty-six octavo pages. Hence, forty-eight octavo pages may be assumed as sufficient for four months transactions, varying somewhat in accordance with the jjctivity of the Society. If, then, on the first of May, 1863, forty-eight such pages be published, viz. : the transactions of the Society from January to May, 1863 — together with forty-eight pages of back trans- actions, the two thousand copies may be stated at $300 or less. About ten or twelve numbers of forty-eight pages will bring up all the back transactions, of which one, two, or three may appear each four months, as circumstances permit. Tlic Com- mittee hence compute that by a subscription from every mem- ber of tlie Society, say four hundred members, of fifty cents, for forty-eight octavo pages, the whole work may be rapidly completed for the back transactions, and be thus continued for several years while the Society may be in debt, after which date it is evident, from the small price involved, that the Society may publish its transactions without extra charge to its members. The charge or subscription of fifty cents per number, when one thousand copies cost but $150, is thus explained : four hundred numbers are required for the immediate distribution to members ; three hundred numbers reserved for future ex- changes, filling up of sets and waste, and three hundred for extra numbers to members, donation, exchange, and public circulation. In thus showing that the transactions, past, present and fu- ture, may be easily published at a moderate expense, readily paid in cash, in proportion to the importance of the material and the rapidity of its production, and without the peril of SPECIAL MEETING. 79 incurring a new debt upon the Society at largo — nor of im- peding tlie payment of present obligations, your Committee feel justified in respectfully suggesting the following resolu- tion : Resolved, That every member of tlie Society subscribe for one copy of the published Transactions of the Society, at the rate of fifty cents for every forty-eight octavo pages, pub- lished at intervals of four months, (exclusive of the numbers of back transactions.) Your Committee will add that the Secretary has procured a new Record Book, as previously recommended, which has been commenced in a very creditable manner. All of which is respectfully submitted. A. G. Randall, Arthur B. Stout, H. B. Livingston, Debate on its reception by Messrs. Papy, Dwindle, Clark, and Randall. The Chair ruled that no motion was before the meeting. Mr. Winans moved that the report be received and further action thereon postponed until the next regular meeting of the Society. Mr. Dwindle moved to amend as follows : That the report of the Committee on Records be printed under the direction of the Secretary, and sent to each member of the Society, with notice that action thereon be taken at the next regular meeting. Amendment accepted. Mr. Dwindle then addressed the meeting relative to the necessity of preserving the archceology of the Society, and eulogistic of the zeal of the Committee on Records ; also, sug- gesting the publication of a quarterly re[)ort of the Society's proceedings, illustrated by portraits of its deceased prominent members. Mr. Washburn replied, relative to the report, objecting to its printing, on account of certain portions of it reflecting on the former Secretaries of the Society. Debate by Messrs. Dwindle, Papy, Shew and Winans, and also Washburn, Randall and others, during which Mr. Ran- 80 SPECIAL MEETING. dall stated that the Committee entertained no unkind feeling towards the late or former Secretaries, but deemed it their duty to state fully the condition in which they had found the Records and Minutes of the Society. Mr. Washburn moved to divide the question. Mr. Papy moved, as a substitute, that the report be recom- mitted to the committee, and acted on at the next monthly meeting. Dr. Stout explained that the present report contained no un- kind allusions to the former Secretaries. Mr. Randall, then, at the request of numerous members, and by the direction of the chair, read a portion of the report — that relative to the action of former Secretaries. Mr. W. T. Reilly moved that the whole subject be laid on the table. Mr. Papy moved an adjournment. Division — Ayes, 18 ; noes, 34. Lost. On motion of Mr. Washburn, that the report of the commit- tee on Honorary Membership be now read. Carried. The Secretary read the report. Mr. J. C. L. Wadsworth moved that the report be adopted, explaining his motion by stating that it was in order to kill it, as he deemed the measure impolitic and unnecessary. Debate on the adoption by Messrs. Wadsworth Dwinelle, Winans, Earl, and others. Question, on motion of Mr. Wadsworth, that the report be adopted. Lost, by a unanimous vote. On motion, adjourned. 0. P. Sutton, Preset. W. L. Duncan, Sec'y. SPECIAL MEETING. February 21st, 1863. Vice-President Winans in the Chair. The Chair announced, on calling the meeting to order, that the Society had been convened for the purpose of assist- ing in the laying of the corner-stone of the monument to Hon. David C. Broderick, a deceased member of the Society, read- ing, at the same time, an invitation to the members to partici- SPECIAL MEETING. 81 pate in tlio ceremonies, emanating from the Executive Com- mittee. The Cliair commented upon the character and attributes of Mr. Broderick, who was a man of strong- merits of character, great energy and perseverance, and determined mind. Sprung from the ranks of the people, he achieved the highest honors ; mingling with those in exalted station, he was not proud ; mingling with the weak, lie was not effominate. lie was a man of strongl}' original traits of character, of many virtues, and of few faults. Mr. Brannan moved tiiat the invitation be accepted, and the Society participate in the ceremonies of the occasion. Mr. Randall moved, as a substitute, the following preamble and resolution : Whereas, arrangements are being made by our fellow citi- zens (through their Executive Committee, appointed in Novem- ber, 1859), to lay, on Monday next, the corner-stone of a monument to be erected to our late fellow member, David C. Broderick. And whereas, this Society, is again dis])o.scd to show its recognition of the merits of the late United States Senator from California, as a distinguished man ; and also to contribute in rendering appropriate honors to the memory of a worthy Pioneer. Resolved, That this Society participate in the ceremonies of laying the corner-stone, as above. Resolved, That the Society appoint a Marshal to conduct the procession, etc., on the occasion. Mr. Randall also announced that the members of the Execu- tive Committee had informed him that no invitations had been sent to any Society, and that therefore the invition to the Pio- neers was not regular. Mr. J. P. Buckley replied, as one of the Broderick Monu- ment Executive Committee, that the invitation to the Society of California I'ioneers was given on account of the dccca.