Alameda County

History

Past and Present of Alameda County, California - S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1914

CHAPTER XII
POLITICS

        When the vote for the old constitution was taken on November 13, 1849, there were but three precincts within what was then known as Contra Costa county, namely at the Moraga Redwoods, Martinez and San Antonio (Brooklyn, Alameda county). For the election of April 1850, the precinct of New York was added to those already created. On October 7th of the same year the precincts were Martinez, San Antonio, San Ramon (Dublin) and New York. The first record, however, of a distribution of voting precincts is for the election called for September 3, 1851, when the following polling places were established: At the courthouse in the town of Martinez, and the house of Jose Maria Amador, for the township of Martinez; the houses of Victor Castro and Vicente Peralta in and for the township of San Antonio; and the house of William W. Smith in Antioch, and the lower ferry on the San Joaquin river, in and for the township of New York. The polls in Washington township were at the store of H. C. Smith, an election being there held on May 4, 1850, when Lone Kemble was inspector. These, with a few additions, continued until the creation of Alameda county, when, August 1, 1853, the following were declared the first election precincts: In Washington township—at the mission of San Jose at the room next easterly of Howard & Chamberlain's store, and at the town of Alvarado at the room there used for a courthouse. In Eden township—at the house of William Hayward and at the house of T. H. Cowles. In Clinton township—at the house of James B. Larue, at the house of Charles Ray and at the sawmill of Tupper & Hamilton. In Oakland township—at the office of A. Marier. In Contra Costa township—at the house of Seth R. Bailey and at the house of A. E. Hutchinson. In Murray township—at the house of Michael Murray.

        At the first constitutional convention called by Governor Riley in 1849 to form the state, the present county of Alameda, then belonging to the jurisdiction of San Jose, was represented by Elam Brown of Lafayette. Brown had come to California in 1846; bought the Acalanes Rancho; was juez of the Contra Costa in 1848. He served not only in the constitutional convention, but in the first two Legislatures of the state, and lived to a ripe old age, rich and highly respected. Two other persons, since connected with the county, namely, Charles T. Botts, of Oakland, and J. Ross Browne, took a prominent part in the labors of that body. In the first Legislature W. R. Bassham was the senator from the San Jose district, to which the present Alameda county still belonged, and Joseph Arm, Benjamin Corey and Elam Brown represented the district in the Assembly.

        Before Alameda county was formed an election for the position of member of the Assembly was held on March 26, 1853, when three candidates, viz.: Horace W. Carpentier of Oakland, Robert S. Farrelly of "Squatterville" or San Lorenzo, and B. R. Holliday of Martinez, entered the field. The election was subsequently contested in the House. The highest number of votes were polled by Mr. Carpentier, against which Mr. Farrelly protested on the ground of fraud. A certificate of election was refused to Mr. Carpentier by the county clerk, and the matter was unraveled by the committee on elections of the Legislature. Mr. Carpentier claimed 519 votes; Mr. Farrelly 254, and Mr. Holliday 192, thus showing a majority of seventy-three votes in favor of Carpentier. S. J. Clark, attorney for Mr. Farrelly, presented various grounds of objection and alleged fraud on the part of Mr. Carpentier, as well as collusion on the part of the board of judges, inspectors and clerks of Contra Costa or Oakland township. In the examination it was ascertained that the whole number of votes cast in the township was 377, while, according to the testimony of the agent who took the census of the township but ten weeks before, there were only 130 votes within its limits. It was also declared that it took almost two hours to count the Carpentier tickets which lay in a compact yellow mass at the top of the box, ere any white ones, representing Farrelly, were reached, and yet three of the last voters who cast their ballots at sundown swore positively that they had voted white tickets for Farrelly. The board of supervisors of Contra Costa county, however, took the view that Mr. Carpentier was duly elected and made affidavits to that end, and a majority of four to six of the committee on elections were of the like opinion, and reported in favor of his taking his seat, in which he was duly confirmed and sworn in, April 11, 1853.

        The first election for officers under law of April 6, 1853, was affected in May. Politics did not enter into it. There were several candidates for each office, some of whom had never been known before but by their nicknames. A. H. Broder, chosen sheriff, had been known as "Tom Snook." The other officials elected were: A. M. Crane, county judge and judge of the court of sessions; W. H. Combs, district attorney; A. M. Church, county clerk; J. S. Marston, treasurer; J. S. Watkins, public administrator; W. H. Chamberlain, coroner; H. A. Higley, county surveyor; G. W. Goucker, county assessor; W. W. Brier, superintendent. Jacob Grewell, chosen in 1853, for two years, joint senator for Alameda, Contra Costa and Santa Clara, continued acting until 1855. Joseph S. Watkins was Alameda's first Assemblyman. The district judge was Craven P. Hester. The Third judicial district then comprised the counties of Alameda, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and Monterey. This election was long known as the "steeple chase," for there were from five to six candidates for each office, while many of the would-be county officers appeared in the poll lists under nicknames. On September 9, 1853, the following officers were elected: Asa Walker, S. P. Hopkins, H. M. Randall, B. F. Ferris, A. Marshall, William Fleming, Calvin Rogers, and S. H. Robinson, justices of the peace; A. B. Atwell, D. N. Van Dyke, William H. Walker, constables. The court of sessions makes no record of this election. In October following these justices convened and elected A. Marshall and S. H. Robinson from among their number as associate justices.

        When first created Contra Costa county was attached to Santa Clara county for senatorial purposes, and when Alameda county was created it was united with Santa Clara to form the Fourth senatorial district. Later it was in the Ninth senatorial district and in March, 1874, in the Fourteenth and was given two senators. When first created Alameda county was part of the Second congressional district, but in 1883 became part of the Third.

        At the election of March 5, 1855, Charles Campbell succeeded Mr. Carpentier as mayor of Oakland, and a new council was chosen, all of whom held their offices intact until the 28th of April, when Messrs. Gallagher and Williams were succeeded on the 29th of May by Messrs. E. Gibbons and Robert Worthington.

The general election of 1857 took place on September 21st, but there is no record of the returns ever having been canvassed. The supervisors elected were F. K. Shattuck, for Oakland; Jonathan Mayhew, for Washington; J. A. Griffin, for Eden; S. M. Davis, for Alameda and Brooklyn; and Charles Duerr, for Murray. Mr. Shattuck was chosen chairman; he was the only member of the outgoing board returned.

        In the year 1861 there were no less than three political parties in the field, namely, the republican, democrats and union democrats, the first being successful in all parts of the state. For the office of State Senator, A. M. Crane, republican, received 1,274 votes, H. Linden, democrat, 288, and N. Hamilton, union democrat, 616. There were no less than six candidates in the field for the office of members of Assembly, the successful competitors being the two republicans, S. B. Bell and J. M. Moore.

        On June 14, 1862, a union county convention was held at San Leandro when delegates to the state convention to be held in Sacramento on the 17th were selected as follows: A. M. Church, A. M. Crane, W. W. Crane, Jr., A. J. Kelly, William Kennedy, S. W. Levy, William Meek, J. M. Moore, F. K. Shattuck. The presiding officer at the state convention was Walter Van Dyke, of Humboldt, but subsequently, for many years, resident of Alameda. For the purpose of nominating candidates for the Assembly, a second union convention was held at San Leandro on August 13th, when there were present over fifty delegates, who were about equally divided between democrats and republicans. At this convention resolutions of unswerving loyalty were passed, and some opposition to the candidature of Milton S. Latham for United States Senator was expressed. Henry Robinson of Alameda, republican, and Thomas Scott of Washington, democrat, were nominated for the Assembly. The election in the month of September resulted as follows: For Assembly, Robinson (union), 914 votes; Scott, 834; Johnson (union democrat), 777; Fallon, 640. The creation of the union democratic party was due largely to Alfred A. Cohen, a lawyer of San Francisco, and a wealthy resident of Alameda. Notwithstanding the republican ticket carried all before it at the general election in 1862 the democracy held sway at the charter election for the officers of the city of Oakland.

        On June 13, 1863, a union party convention assembled at San Leandro; Asa Walker was president, F. .M. Campbell, secretary. The following delegates to

the union state convention at Sacramento were appointed: Alameda township, Henry Robinson; Brooklyn township, A. W. Swett; Eden township, William Meek; Murray township (no delegate); Oakland township, John McMann; Washington township, H. Overacker. The democratic county convention was held at the same place on the 27th of June, and among those who took a part in its affairs was Ex-Governor Weller, who in 1863 was a resident of Fruitvale. On August 1st the union county convention met for the purpose of nominating the county ticket, which at the election was triumphant. At this election the vote in Alameda county for governor was Low (union), 1,392 and Downey (democrat), 805. At the judicial election October 21st, Judge McKee defeated Judge Brown of Contra Costa, who had received the union nomination by 333 votes.

        Under the chairmanship of Dr. W. Newcomb, of Oakland, and S. S. Saul, secretary, a union county convention was held at San Leandro on March 19th, at which time delegates were appointed to the state convention to be held in Sacramento. This convention selected delegates to the national union convention. The democratic county convention met at the same place on the 7th of May with William A. Moss presiding, and Harry Linden, secretary. William S. Moss, P. E. Edmondson, W. H. Glascock and Harry Linden were appointed delegates to the state convention. These political meetings culminated on the 29th of October, when a very numerously attended and enthusiastic gathering of union followers at San Leandro—the largest then that had been had in the county—met to do honor to their popular nominees. I. A. Amerman, president of the Lincoln and Johnson Club of San Leandro, officiated as grand marshal of the day, with E. M. Smith, Lysander Stone and E. C. Jacobs as aides-de-camp. The procession, it was positively stated at the time, was eight miles in length. This vast concourse passed in review before General McDowell, who stood in his carriage, with uncovered head as they filed past, making the welkin ring with their loyal cheers. Hon. Edward Tompkins was president of the day; he made a most eloquent and soul-stirring speech, and was followed by Hons. Delos Lake, Nathan Porter, F. M. Pixley, J. G. Callum, Attorney-General McCullough, W. H. L. Barnes and Judge Tyler. This demonstration was in every sense a most enthusiastic one.

        About this time Hon. J. B. Felton was a prominent candidate for the position of United States Senator. His cause was warmly espoused by the Oakland News, and as strenuously opposed by the San Leandro Gazette. On the 5th of August the union county convention was held in San Leandro. The democratic convention was held at the same place on the 24th. The platform adopted by the latter favored a hard money currency, with an extension of the specific contract act, to include verbal contract for workingmen's wages; opposed negro or Chinese suffrage; and favored the reconstruction of the southern states on the principles of President Johnson's policy. At the general election which followed the union candidates were successful in every instance. At the judicial election held in the following month S. W. Sanderson, the republican nominee for judge of the supreme court, received, in Alameda county, 390 more votes than did Hartley, the democratic candidate.

        On November 8, 1864, the presidential election showed a majority in this county for Lincoln of 658 votes, while his plurality throughout the state was 16,634 votes. For Congress, Higby received 1,458 votes, as against 797 for Coffroth.

        On June 8, 1867, the union county convention convened at San Leandro, but discord had crept into the ranks of the party, and there was an undoubted diversity of opinion as to party policies and measures. Judge A. M. Crane was chosen chairman, and A. M. Church and William Gagan, secretaries, while there were some fifty delegates in attendance. The following delegates were appointed to the state convention at Sacramento: John W. Dwinelle and B. F. Ferris, Oakland township; A: M. Church and B. F. Marston, Washington township; William Meek, Eden township; S. Milbury, Brooklyn township; A. M. Crane, Alameda and Murray townships jointly.

        On the 15th of June the democratic county convention was held at the same place. J. West Martin, C. H. Cushing, J. W. Dougherty, William Moss and John Threlfall were appointed delegates to the state convention. When the republican convention met at Sacramento George C. Gorham was nominated for governor. It was afterwards charged that his nomination was secured by smart tactics and trading. The union men who were expected to make the republican ticket successful became disaffected, and at the election held in the month of October, the ticket was ingloriously defeated. The democrats seeing this weakening of the opposing host, published a platform denouncing the Mongolian influx, declaring labor to be the true foundation of all prosperity, and placing at the head of their ticket Henry H. Haight of Alameda as democratic candidate for governor, who, amid much enthusiasm, obtained a signal majority over Gorham of 8,527.

        The union county convention assembled at San Leandro on March 18, 1868, and elected delegates to the state convention at Sacramento. The democrats convened there on the 25th of April and passed resolutions highly complimentary to Governor Haight, and strongly urged him as the next democratic candidate for the Presidency of the United States.

        On July 22d, the union county convention met at San Leandro for the purpose of nominating county and judicial officers, the democrats meeting for the purpose on the l0th of August. In the ticket presented by the last-mentioned party for the office of district attorney was George M. Blake, a convert from the union ranks, while in Captain Mayhew, who had been a prominent member of the other party, the democracy also found a new follower, yet notwithstanding these recruits the union ticket won.

        On Saturday, July 18, 1868, a democratic ratification meeting at San Leandro, in honor of the nomination of Seymour and Blair as candidates for the Presidency and Vice-Presidency of the United States, was held, among the speakers being Governor Haight and Lieutenant-Governor Holden. The chair was occupied by William S. Moss; the secretary was W. J. Collier, editor of the Democrat.

        There was much enthusiasm among politicians during the Presidential election of this year, mass meetings of both republicans and democrats being held throughout the county, while the ablest speakers were arrayed on both sides. Grant and Colfax received a majority in Alameda county of 536 in a total vote of 3,123. In this year there were enrolled on the great register, after the cancelled names were struck off, 4,623 names, while there were recorded on the poll list only 3,596 names.

        In 1870 the union county convention was held in San Leandro. The democrats made no nominations, but an independent party was formed and a ticket put in the field, headed by Edward Tompkins for State Senator. On the 1st of September the election was held and portions of both tickets were successful. For the office of county recorder there was a tie vote between P. S. Marston and M. W. Levy, which at a special election held on October 25th resulted in favor of the former.

        On May 4, 1870, an election of trustees in Brooklyn was held and resulted as follows: H. A. Mayhew, Hiram Tubbs, Adam Cannon, Charles Newton, Henry Turn Suden, board of trustees; A. W. Swett, F. Buel, C. C. Knowles, school directors; J. F. Steen, clerk and treasurer; C. E. Webster, assessor. Mr. Mayhew was elected president of the board of trustees on May 7th.

        The Young Men's Republican Club was organized for the Grant and Wilson campaign and continued an influential political power for many years. The large republican majorities were ascribed to the efforts and influence of this club. The membership was about two hundred in 1875. It was united and harmonious, and could not be distorted nor purchased by private politicians. In their announcement was this plank: "We firmly believe in the integrity of the rank and file of the republican party to choose such state officers as will be free from corrupt influences and are fully capable of righting any wrongs that may exist within the party, independents to the contrary notwithstanding."

        There was a time when the Federal faction ruled affairs in Alameda county. This was immediately succeeding the Civil war when others than republicans were presumed to be in disfavor. George M. Pinney was the head and front of this faction. The arbitrary methods of this faction became at last unsufferable and an independent movement was organized, succeeded, and changed the order of affairs.

        On July 28, 1873, the republican party held a convention at San Leandro to elect delegates to the congressional convention at Sacramento. After a keen contest Hon. Nathan Porter of Alameda was put forward as the choice of the republicans of the county. Although Mr. Porter appeared to be the favorite at Sacramento, there was present an unseen influence that gave the nomination to Horace F. Page of Placerville.

        On August 11, 1873, the republican county convention met at San Leandro under the presidency of George M. Pinney, when C. W. Howard, W. J. Gurnett and I. A. Amerman were nominated as state senator and members of the Assembly. On the 23d a meeting of the independent reform convention was held at the call of the democratic county committee at the same place, Dr. Beverly Cole being chairman and J. M. Estudillo, secretary of the convention. Edward Gibbons, independent, received the nomination for state senator and J. W. Dwinelle, republican, and Daniel Inman, democrat, both former representatives of the county, were nominated for the Assembly. For treasurer, Robert D. Farrelly was nominated by acclamation. Ellis E. Haynes, a republican, was nominated for sheriff; J. M. Estudillo, democrat, for county clerk; Eben C. Farley, democrat, for recorder; Henry Evers, republican, for auditor; W. W. Foote, democrat, for district attorney; Newton Ingram, democrat, for tax collector; Thomas W. Millard, democrat, for assessor; V. S. Northey, independent, commissioner of highways; John Doherty, democrat, surveyor; Eugene Thurston, democrat, for superintendent of schools; S. W. Mather, republican, for coroner; and Dr. W. P. Gibbons, republican, for public administrator. At the election, which took place on the 3d of September, the entire republican ticket was elected save for the offices of state senator and county treasurer.

        In 1874 two city conventions were held in Oakland. The republicans met April 24th and nominated a full ticket headed by Henry Durant for mayor, and succeeded in electing their entire ticket. The democrats or liberals assembled April 25th and also nominated a full ticket. Each convention named a central committee. Durant, republican, in 1874 received for mayor a majority of 572 in a total vote of 1,593. In 1875 Webber, republican, received a majority of 164 over Gurnett, democrat, out of a total vote of 1,760. As a whole the election of 1874 was a republican success. The temperance alliance attempted to make a showing at this election but failed.

        Henry Durant, who had served as mayor of Oakland with conspicuous credit, died in January, 1875, and was given memorable obsequies by his sorrowing fellow citizens. At the time of his funeral the university, all the schools and many business houses were closed. The democrats nominated what they called a citizens' ticket in February for municipal offices. W. J. Gurnett was nominated for mayor. Among the resolutions adopted was one favoring the administration of municipal affairs along non-partisan lines. The republicans selected a committee of five to whom was submitted the task of naming a party ticket for the municipal election in the spring of 1875. That E. C. Sessions was the choice of three-fourths of the voters irrespective of party none disputed; but Mr. Sessions did not want the place, or rather his business activities were so important and vital to him as to prevent his acceptance. The Young Men's Republican Club was an important factor at this election; also in 1874.

        The new Republican Club organized at Oakland in May, 1875, elected the following officers: J. V. B. Goodrich, president; William Bartling, J. E. Farnum, vice-presidents; W. M. Gilcrest, recording secretary; F. D. Hinds, corresponding secretary; W. B. Hardy, treasurer; Perry Johnson, marshal. At a public meeting the club endorsed the principles and purposes of the national union republican party; encouraged the efforts to improve the harbor; pledged itself to support no candidates that were not honest and capable; expressed the belief that all qualified voters should exercise the privilege, and said: "We look with unmingled pride and satisfaction upon the rapid growth of our pleasant and beauteous city."

        Early in 1875 a large faction of the people openly demanded the nomination and election of E. C. Sessions to the office of mayor. He was familiar with the real wants of the city, was young, strong, cultured, honest and public-spirited, had no political aspirations to warp either his rectitude or his judgment, was in business here—the construction of houses—was always at home and was almost an ideal man for the office, because he was interested in the rapid, legitimate and harmonious growth of the city; but he positively declined the honor.

        The republican committee convention met February 18, 1875, and named a full city ticket. It was claimed, though denied, that this ticket was a cut and dried affair, but the nominees were all good reliable men and citizens who could be expected to give the city a wise administration. At this convention a communication was received from Emma Temple, Jennie Walbridge and Mary Phelps, who presented a petition signed by 565 women and 350 voters of the city, requesting the nomination of two ladies for members of the board of education. The list of the voters who signed the petition was published in full in the newspapers; also the list of ladies. The democrats failed to nominate a woman for member of the board of education; the republicans were lukewarm or indifferent on the subject and the woman movement thus well started died ingloriously at the outset. Mrs. T. C. Carr withdrew her name from the candidacy and the movement then totally collapsed. At the county convention Mrs. L. P. Fisher was nominated on the independent ticket for county superintendent.

        The charter election in San Leandro in May, 1875, resulted in a victory for the high license advocates; it meant the advance of licenses from $15 to $50 per quarter, the same as in Oakland. The high license faction elected their assessor, clerk and justice of the peace, while the low license wing captured the marshal and treasurer. Three high license trustees were chosen: A. T. Covel, (high) 98 votes; J. A. Estudillo, (low) 96 votes; George Smith, (high) 93 votes; A. Baldwin, (high) 93 votes.

        In the first partition of the state, Contra Costa was attached to Santa Clara county for senatorial purposes. On the creation of Alameda county it was joined to Santa Clara, and formed into the Fourth senatorial district, and thus it continued until created into the Ninth senatorial district. By the act approved March 16, 1874, Alameda county was designated as the Fourteenth senatorial district, to have two Senators, and as such it remained until the session of the Legislature in 1875 when the state was redistricted, and Alameda county formed into the Sixteenth, Seventeenth and Eighteenth senatorial districts, with one Senator for each. The First, Fourth and Sixth wards of the city of Oakland, together with the election precincts of West Berkeley, Bay and Ocean View, constituted the Sixteenth senatorial district; the Second, Third, Fifth and Seventh wards of the city of Oakland, together with the election precincts of East Berkeley, Temescal and Piedmont, constituted the Seventeenth senatorial district; and that portion of Brooklyn township outside of the city of Oakland, together with the townships of Alameda, Eden, Washington and Murray constituted the Eighteenth senatorial district. When originally created, Alameda county with those of Contra Costa, San Joaquin, Tuolumne, Mono, Calaveras, Amador, El Dorado, Sacramento, Placer, Nevada and Alpine were defined as the Second congressional district, but by the act approved March 30, 1872, Mono was segregated therefrom, and embodied in the Fourth district. The Legislature in 1883 constituted the counties of Yolo, Sacramento, Solano, Contra Costa, Marin and Alameda into the Third congressional district.

        The political campaign of 1875 was one of the most remarkable in the history of the state. The issues were vital, the candidates able, the people intensely interested and the newspapers caustic and personal. Such speakers as Booth, Gorham, Sargent, Phelps, Bidwell, Lovett, Haymond delivered brilliant addresses to the populace. They were strong enough to tear the issues to tatters and eloquent enough to draw immense and enthusiastic audiences. At one of the republican meetings bonfires were lighted at Broadway and Fourteenth streets. The Young Men's Republican Club marched through the streets with band and banners, halted in front of the Grand Central hotel, and escorted Mr. Phelps to the tent at Thirteenth and Washington streets. The meeting was called to order by J. J. Porter, chairman of the county central committee. F. K. Shattuck served as chairman. Mr. Phelps then spoke for about an hour and a quarter on the issues of the day. In early years the republicans in Alameda county were so largely in the majority that the democrats had no show on straight tickets, but there were usually enough soreheaded members of the former to elect a few of the latter every year. The independents of Alameda county were fully organized in the spring of 1875. Their county central committee were as follows: Henry Robinson, A. W. Sinett, Walter Blair, William Meek, D. Inman, Eben C. Farley, General Bowie, William Linfoot, Captain Wilcox, C. A. Tuttle and W. W. Winn.

        The republican county convention met early in June, 1875. Thomas Eager of Brooklyn township served as chairman and John Ames as secretary. The committee on resolutions were A. W. Bishop, N. W. Spaulding and W. Whidden. The resolutions adopted affirmed allegiance to party principles and the delegates elected were instructed to vote for the renomination of H. E. Page for Congress from this district, and his acts were warmly endorsed.

        The county democratic convention met in the Academy of Music July 23, 1875, and was called to order by Judge Blake; Joseph Dement served as chairman. The convention put out a straight ticket—resolved to stand or fall on principle. It endorsed the state platform, favored the Oakland harbor improvement, advocated the strictest economy in the management of the city affairs and declined to appoint a committee to meet a committee from the independent convention with a view of possible amalgamation.

        The people's independent convention assembled in the city hall in July, 1875, and was called to order by William Meek of the county committee. Col. G. W. Bowie served as chairman. Upon motion a committee of ten was appointed to present to the convention nominees for the different offices; this committee consisted of William Meek, W. Blair, D. Inman, H. G. McLean, J. T. Walker, Socrates Huff, C. T. Hopkins, E. M. Smith and A. J. Snyder. Steps to confer with the democratic convention then in session were taken. A committee was appointed to meet General Bidwell at the station and escort him to the Grand Central hotel.

        The convention of the temperance reform party was held here on August 20, 1875, and consisted of the central committees of state and county. J. H. Redstone served as chairman and A. Crawford, as secretary. Any person present in sympathy with the objects of the party was, upon motion, regarded as a member of the convention. The following committee selected the candidates to be placed before the convention: Joel Russell, Rev. Mr. Wills, J. M. Horner, Mr. Ricks, Mrs. Dr. Carr and Mrs. G. M. Blake. A full ticket was nominated. The platform of the state temperance reform party was adopted.

        At the republican county convention on August 2, 1875, a full county ticket was nominated and the utmost harmony prevailed. The platform adopted pledged economy in local administration, favored the reduction of the salaries of county officers, opposed monopolies, especially the land monopoly, endorsed the state and national platforms, instructed state representatives to exert their influence to reduce expense, and endorsed the official career of Congressman Page and recommended his reelection. Upon the appearance here of Mr. Page on August 12, 1875, he was greeted with an ovation that few men ever receive on

earth and fewer still sincerely merit. Not alone the republicans but the democrats and independents and ladies assembled at the station, along the line of march and at the tent to do him honor. The entire line of march was a bewildering display of banners, fireworks, bonfires and shouting people. Nothing surpassing it was ever before witnessed on the streets of Oakland. The enthusiasm culminated at the campaign tent which was densely packed long before the distinguished speaker arrived—a much larger assemblage than had thus far greeted any other orator of the campaign. A splendid glee club kindled the fires of enthusiasm by singing a political adaptation to the tune "That's What's the Matter"—the singers being Pratt, Reed, Booth and Farrington. The applause was deafening and continued and the singers were forced to repeat. District Attorney Moore served as chairman of the meeting. When Mr. Page took the stage he was unable to proceed for some time because of the tumultuous and continuous applause which greeted him. It was a speech of great power and interest touching local affairs and revealing the details of his fight in Congress for the improvement of the harbor and the welfare of this community.

        The Ward bill of 1876 was a democratic measure and was followed generally by democratic success in Oakland. The Oakland Democratic Club reorganized in February, 1876, and elected "Uncle Billy" Hoskins, who had been its secretary for twenty-six years, to a life membership and also elected the following officers: William Van Voorhies, president; F. J. Brearty, L. Wintringer, S. D. Crowin, Col. John Scott, vice-presidents; H. E. Wilcox, William Moore and A. E. Castello, finance committee; W. M. Graham, secretary; Patrick Scully, treasurer.

        At this time there was considerable dissatisfaction in the democratic ranks against the usurpations and dictatory policies of the Democratic Club. It was proposed in the club, much to the indignation of outside democrats, that the city nominations of the democracy be made by the club and not by the regular democratic committee. So much indignation was expressed that the club at its next meeting rescinded the action it had already taken, but passed another equally objectionable to the outside democrats, that the members of the club in ward delegations select seven democrats from their respective wards, the whole to constitute a nominating convention. This act made the club still the nominating power.

        The Oakland democratic convention nominated John A. Stanly for mayor in March, 1876. The republicans nominated Doctor Pardee. The defeat of Mr. Stanly was not an expression of sentiment in regard to the Market street railroad franchise then under consideration. The people had found Pardee honest, able and reliable and knew nothing of Stanly.

        The republican county convention assembled in Oakland on April 22, 1876, and appointed delegates to the state convention at Sacramento. On the 21st of May the democratic party held their convention for the like purpose, and also elected a county central committee. On the 12th of that month a great anti-Chinese mass meeting was held in Oakland, on which occasion, a resolution addressed to Congress praying for relief from the Mongolian incubus was adopted. The first campaign meetings of the republicans and democrats were held respectively on June 19th and July 15th.

        In 1876 the republicans of Alameda organized for the state and Presidential campaign and elected Dr. W. P. Gibbons president of the movement; meetings were held once a week. On June 11th the republican county convention was held in Oakland, and was called to order by George M. Pinney, chairman of the county central committee. Thomas Eager was chosen temporary chairman and A. W. Bishop, secretary. Confidence in the national administration was declared, and appreciation of the services of Congressman Page was expressed. Delegates to the state convention were appointed. On the 19th of the same month, the democrats held a primary election in Oakland, when two tickets were placed in the field and the largest vote ever polled at a democratic primary was cast. The democratic county convention was held on the 26th, when the best harmony did not exist, a result which brought about the defeat of the Oakland delegation, who lost control of the convention. In this month the independent county convention held their session in Oakland and declared their principles to be reform in the administration of public affairs, the correction of local abuses, opposition to monopolies and the reconciliation of the North and South. The meetings of the convention for the nominations of legislative and county officers, were held as follows: That of the democrats on July 24th, at the Academy of Music on Fifth street, Oakland, with James Beazell at its head as State Senator; the independents met on the same day in the city hall, and named Henry Robinson, of Alameda, for State Senator, endorsed M. W. Dixon (democrat), of Washington township, for the Assembly, and added the name of Walter Blair of Oakland and Joseph Tayor of Murray; on the 2d of August the republican convention held their meeting in the Academy of Music, with 115 delegates. Their ticket had at its head, E. B. Mastick, of Alameda, for State Senator, but this gentleman subsequently declined the nomination. James W. Shanklin was nominated instead, and John L. Beard of Centerville, A. T. Coville of San Leandro and J. V. B. Goodrich of Oakland were named for members of Assembly.

        W. F. B. Lynch was renominated by the republicans for county superintendent. In response to a call he said, "When I came into the office of superintendent of schools six years ago, there were but 3,764 children in the county; now there are 9,330." A voice called out "You have done well !" This brought down the convention in a tempest of laughter. He retorted pleasantly, "If any man can do better, I say let him try it."

        Mr. Goodrich who was nominated for Governor withdrew his name from the temperance reform party ticket on July 23, 1876. In July the republican soldiers and sailors of Oakland organized with Capt. E. B. Jerome as chairman. Judge Daniels and Mr. Jerome addressed the assemblage. At a large mass meeting of the republicans of Brooklyn, July 21st, with J. J. Pensam in the chair, a permanent organization for the campaign was effected. Addresses were made by A. A. Moore, A. C. Henry and Henry Vrooman.

        An immense mass meeting of the democrats ratified the nomination of Tilden and Hendricks in the open air at Broadway and Ninth streets, on July 16, 1876, Judge Ferral, R. M. Clarken, Judge Lamar and others addressed the crowd. Bonfires and rockets brilliantly lighted the principal streets. The republican county convention of 1876 met August 6th and J. G. McCallom served as chairman. Delegates to the state convention were chosen. In their resolutions the convention promised 1,500 majority for Hayes and Wheeler and recommended the renomination of H. F. Page for Congressman.

        A large anti-coolie mass meeting was held in the city hall on September 12th. The principal addresses were by C. C. O'Donnell, E. J. Kelly, Philip Roach and Mr. Mather. About this time a conspiracy was formed at Oakland to burn the Chinese quarters and kill a number of Mongolian inmates. It was checked by Captain Rand of the police department, who put on enough extra patrolmen to prevent such a calamity. At this time the Chinese quarters were between Grove and Jefferson streets near the railroad and comprised seventeen buildings. They had stores of various kinds and a joss house. Four of the houses were devoted almost wholly to gambling and called "Chinatown." Farther up from the creek at what was known as the Tuttle tract near San Pablo avenue and Twenty-second street was North or Upper Chinatown.

        Oakland, in the fall of 1876, was the scene of the largest popular political demonstration ever witnessed in the county since the memorable campaign which elected Abraham Lincoln President of the United States. It was a complimentary reception tended to Hon. H. F. Page and a meeting called to listen to the matchless oratory of Thomas Fitch. The meeting was held at the big republican tent on Fourteenth street. Many ladies were present. Bonfires, rockets and a torch-light procession enlivened the occasion. Mr. Page, as usual, was received with stirring enthusiasm and Mr. Fitch's electrical oratory surpassed anything of the kind ever before heard here. Nearly all listeners were astonished and held breathless by the linguistic beauty and rhetorical fascination of his speech.

        The democrats held a big mass meeting at Dietz hall late in October, and listened to an able speech from S. J. Carpenter, democratic candidate for Congress. As the news was received of the election returns in Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia, eager crowds gathered around the bulletin boards to learn the results. United States Senator Oliver P. Morton of Indiana, one of the famous "War Governors," spoke to a vast audience at the skating rink, Oakland, late in October. The speech was spoken of as one of the most masterly ever delivered in this city.

        On March 3, 1877, the committee of 101 met for the purpose of nominating candidates for the approaching municipal election. R. C. Gaskill served as chairman. For mayor Dr. E. H. Pardee was nominated. A full ticket was placed in the field. Nearly one hundred republicans later addressed a public letter to Gen. George S. Dodge, requesting him to become a candidate for the office of mayor. The paper stated that the request was made because the signers believed a grave injustice had been done the people of Oakland by the republican convention which had convened here on March 3d. General Dodge graciously accepted the call and consented to become a candidate. Livermore was divided on local issues in the election of May, 1877; there being a citizens' ticket and a peoples' ticket, each of which named candidates for town trustees.

        It was realized in July, that for about ten years a small clique of politicians who had become chronic office seekers, were endeavoring to perpetuate their franchise on the city offices and had formed a ring to that effect. The greenback party of the county held its convention July 20th, in Armory hall; Col. A. E. Redstone presided. The state platform was adopted and a full county ticket was nominated. Among those who participated were John M. Horner, B. V. Lowe, Joel Russell, A. E. Redstone, E. C. Farley, A. S. Hubbard, C. E. Palmer, Alonzo Crawford, John Doherty, William Halley, William Helmer and Henry Vrooman.

        In 1877 the democrats of the county in convention opposed Chinese immigration, favored the prevention of imported Chinese laborers; demanded justice for the working man; asked for a land tax; demanded punishment for malfeasance in office; requested Congressmen to secure help from Congress to improve Oakland harbor; approved the removal of Federal troops from the South; opposed monopolies and sumptuary laws; and supported a tariff for revenue and the common school system.

        In view of the strikes all over the country and the labor and Chinese riots in San Francisco in particular, the Oakland council held a special meeting late in July, 1877, to adopt measures to insure the prompt suppression of any lawlessness that might break out in this city. Every member of the council and a large number of prominent citizens were present. An address calling for law and order was prepared and circulated. At this meeting there was expressed much diversity of sentiment and judgment. J. H. Redstone maintained that there existed a general movement in favor of labor throughout the whole country that could not be laughed down and advised that steps should be taken to abate the Chinese nuisance or settle the coolie question, because the white workingmen of the country were opposed to the Chinese. The police prepared for trouble and were reinforced by the Oakland Guard and many private citizens. In a street speech J. H. Redstone demanded that the Central Pacific Company should at once discharge their Chinese employes. Violent resolutions were adopted. The citizens formed a committee of safety to meet any unlawful emergency. Five hundred special policemen were called for by Mayor Pardee and $5,000 was quickly subscribed to meet expenses. Oakland was divided into seven safety districts which were patrolled and guarded. The Redstones were leaders of the strike movement here and strong speakers at the street meetings.

        The local political campaign in August, 1877, was a mean one—full of trickery and lying abuse. An attempt to change two candidates on the republican ticket was indignantly opposed by the ring republicans who resorted to every measure to defeat the attempt. The insolence, defamation and chicanery of the newspapers were manifest to all readers. The result was the election of the entire republican county ticket with one exception by reduced majorities. The republicans now had three representatives and the democrats two.

        On the 22d of January, 1878, a special election was held to choose a state senator in the place of Nathan Porter, deceased, which resulted in the election of the workingmen's candidate, John W. Bones. George M. Pinney was political boss of this congressional district. He controlled the Mare Island navy yard from Oakland and was the real author of the famous Tapeworm ticket of the yard. He was clever and crafty, and finally became involved in serious difficulties.

        In 1879 Col. E. M. Gibson was appointed to the position of district attorney, upon the resignation of Henry Vrooman, who, on retiring, received the highest encomiums from the board of supervisors.

        For several years previous to the creation of the workingmen's party as a political organization, there had been more or less agitation of the Chinese question, and the competition of Mongolian with white labor. The steady influx of coolies from China, the employment of this cheap labor by manufacturing firms, and the consequent driving out of white laborers from many of the branches of mechanical employment, aroused the working classes to the highest pitch resentment. Early in 1877 Dennis Kearney, an Irish drayman of San Francisco, commenced holding public meetings on the vacant lots near the new city hall in San Francisco―since known throughout the length and breadth of the land as the Sand Lot—and in his declamatory harangues, worked upon the passions of the multitude, denouncing all men of wealth, and preaching the extreme doctrines of communism. Others who saw a chance for political preferment by catering to the evil passions of the mob, followed in the wake of Kearney, holding outdoor meetings all over the state. Clubs were formed, and out of these in better form sprang the workingmen's party.   Alameda county in 1878 gave a majority of 2,000 against the new organic act, and a majority of 9,336 against Chinese immigration. The first election under the new constitution occurred in September, 1879. Three candidates for Governor took the field. The republicans nominated Hon. C. Perkins; the democrats and new constitution party put up Dr. Hugh Glenn, and the workingmen's party nominated William White, a farmer of Santa Cruz county.

        The republicans, gaining control of the state government, the years 1879 and 1880 being prosperous, and there being plenty of work for all who wanted it, the sand-lot party gradually died out, and the large majority finally went back to the democratic party in the presidential election of 1880, from which it had cut loose during the exciting period of over two years. Oakland succumbed to sand-lot rule for two years—the workingmen electing their mayor in 1878 and 1879—in 1878 electing not only their candidate for mayor, but police judge and city attorney, and in 1879, the mayor, two members of the city council, and two members of the board of education.

        The vote for mayor in March, 1879, was closely contested, W. R. Andrus, workingmen's, receiving 2,563 votes, and D. W. Standiford, citizens', 2,353. The voters divided into the parties: citizens' and workingmen's, the latter being dominated, it was alleged, by Dennis Kearney of San Francisco.

        On Saturday, March 4, 1882, in response to the proclamation of Governor Perkins, the citizens of California closed their business houses and assembled to consider again the anti-Chinese movement. This act was caused by the wish to inform Congress what the people of the Pacific coast thought of the bill pending in Congress to curtail coolie immigration to this country. In Oakland there was a total cessation of business and a determination to express the deep-seated antipathy of the people to the great Chinese peril. Masonic hall was crowded to its utmost capacity. Mayor J. E. Blethen presided. Colonel Gibson made the principal speech—depicting all the evils of the existing system. A full series of resolutions was adopted, one being as follows: "That the evil complained of is present and pressing, and that the people of the Pacific coast will be content with nothing less than the immediate passage of the bill now before Congress restricting further Chinese immigration." There was a general feeling that unless Congress gave relief the people would take the law into their own hands and speedily abate the nuisance, but this sentiment was promptly checked and rebuked by the speakers at this meeting and by the press.

        On March 23d the anti-Chinese bill passed the House by the vote of 177 to 65. Congressman Page was given the chief credit for this success. It provided that after ninety days from the passage of the bill and until the expiration of twenty years after its passage the coming of Chinese laborers to the United States should be suspended. President Arthur vetoed the bill and sadness fell upon all the Pacific coast. Through the efforts of Congressman Page and under a suspension of the rules the House passed the bill over the veto. A ten-year suspension bill was later signed by President Arthur.

        At the state election in 1882 John R. Glascock of this county pan for Congressman at large; his vote in this county was 4,562 against 4,603 for Morrow, his opponent. In 1882 E. M. Gibson, republican, was elected railroad commissioner over Foote, democrat, by the vote of 4,599 to 4,445. Vrooman, republican, and Whitney, republican, were elected to the state Senate over Lawton, democrat, and Dixon, democrat.

        The republican municipal convention, in March, 1882, assembled in Germania hall. The call was for the nomination of good men and the restriction of coolie immigration and for the encouragement of manufacturing enterprises. The convention nominated for mayor, C. K. Robinson; city attorney, John Yule; city marshal, M. E. Clough; superintendent of schools, J. C. Gilson; police judge, S. F. Daniels. The democrats nominated for mayor, Israel Lawton; city attorney, Thomas Carneal; police judge, Asa Howard; city marshal, T. F. Jenkins; school superintendent, D. S. Hirshberg. The republicans elected their entire ticket by a large majority. For mayor, Robinson (republican), received 2,444 votes and Lawton (democrat), 2,061 votes. The average republican majority was 1,278.

        At the election for town trustees of Alameda in the spring of 1882 the follow was the result: William Simpson 504, J. M. Gray 528; E. B. Dunning 188, Louis Meyer 416, C. A. Edson 515, William Midden 549.

        At the election called for November 7, 1882, the number of precincts in the county were forty as follows: Alameda township—Alameda Nos. 2 and 3; Brooklyn township—Brooklyn, No. 1 (two precincts), Brooklyn No. 2; Oakland township—Berkeley, West Berkeley Bay precinct, Temescal, Ocean View, Piedmont; Oakland City—First ward (three precincts), Second ward (two precincts), Third ward (two precincts), Fourth ward (two precincts), Fifth ward, Sixth ward (two precincts); Eden township—San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Haywards, Mt. Eden, Castro Valley; Washington township—Alvarado, Centerville, Mission San Jose, Niles, Newark; Murray township—Sunol, Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore No. 1, Livermore No. 2, Altamont.

        In January, 1883, the state passed from the republicans to the democrats, yet all admitted that the administration of Governor Perkins had been excellent. The bill for the regulation of municipal corporations applied directly to Oakland; it provided that municipal elections should be held every two years for seven councilmen, a mayor, a treasurer, a city attorney, a school superintendent and a street superintendent; The republican municipal convention was held March 5th in Germania hall. E. M. Gibson was nominated for mayor; James Dods for city clerk and treasurer; Joseph M. Dillon, city assessor. As a whole the ticket was pronounced satisfactory and good, but subsequent events proved it otherwise in part. The democrats nominated J. W. Martin for mayor; James A. Booth for city clerk and treasurer and O. R. Johnson for assessor. Both parties nominated full council tickets. There was a general demand for honest men, but party lines governed the voters. The election was quiet and uneventful. The result was the election of eleven candidates on the republican ticket and four on the democratic ticket, including the mayor. Mr. Martin proved to be more popular than Mr. Gibson and drew many republican votes. This election surprised the quidnuncs who had predicted an overwhelming victory for Mr. Gibson. Even the most sanguine democrats were surprised. Martin (democrat) received 2,514 votes; and Gibson (republican) received 2,206. Gibson carried wards 2, 3 and 7. For city clerk and treasurer Dods (republican), received 2,697 and Booth (democrat), 2,036. The total vote was 4,733.

        At the November election, 1882, the democrats fought to secure the offices of sheriff and county clerk. The republican machine and boss rule forced independents to vote the democratic ticket. The result in the county was as follows: For Governor—Stoneman (democrat), 4,617; Estee (republican), 4,239; McDonald (people's), 369; McQuiddy (greenback), 20. But the county cast a majority for the republican candidates. The democrats elected their county clerk and sheriff as they had planned. Thus the republicans met a political tornado.

        The republicans nominated for mayor, A. C. Henry; clerk and treasurer, F. M. Fisher; attorney, C. T. Johns; police judge, S. F. Daniels; school superintendent, J. C. Gilson; city marshal, George Atkinson. The platform pledged the party to an economical administration, to no favoritism, and to the furnishing of all supplies in the public schools. The democrats renominated J. W. Martin for mayor; Bernard McFadden for city attorney; Judge Roseborough for police judge; E. H. Hamilton for marshal; T. O. Crawford for school superintendent; John Madens for clerk and treasurer.

        The municipal election of March, 1884, demonstrated that Oakland was a republican city when that party was united and put up good men. The result was due to the energy and good judgment shown by the city central committee—W. W. Camron, J. W. Ballard, E. G. Cram, R. M. Apgar, H. Griffin, H. Fiege and W. T. Gibbs. The vote stood: For mayor—Henry (republican), 2,531; Martin (democrat), 2,216. The remainder of the republican ticket was elected by larger majorities, Gilson (republican) for school superintendent receiving 755 majority over Crawford (democrat) and Fisher (republican) for clerk and treasurer 788 over Madens (democrat).

        The republican county convention met in Germania hall on April 27, 1884. O. C. Miller of Alameda served as chairman. The resolutions adopted instructed the delegates to the state convention to vote for no one to the national convention who would not support James G. Blaine for the Presidency, and warmly commended the administration of President Arthur. Delegates to the state convention were chosen. The republican state convention assembled in the same hall two days later. This was a distinction of which the whole county was proud. The hall was appropriately decorated for the occasion and the hotels were crowded with the delegates and their attendants. A. E. Davis served as temporary chairman. The resolutions asked for such amendments to the Chinese exclusion act as would prevent any evasion in letter or spirit, supported James G. Blaine for president, and recommended that the office of commissioner of agriculture should be made a cabinet office.

        The democratic county convention met June 7th, in Germania hall, with H. Dusterberry in the chair. The resolutions favored the nomination of Samuel J. Tilden for the presidency; denounced monopoly; demanded the payment of taxes from the Central Pacific Railroad Company, and condemned Carpenter, Humphreys and Marshall of the railroad commission for alleged non-compliance with election pledges.

        The assembly districts in Alameda county in 1884 were as follows: Fifty­first—Murray and Washington townships, the towns of Haywards and Castro Valley; fifty-second—Remainder of Eden township outside of Oakland and all of Alameda township; fifty-third—Fourth and Sixth wards, Oakland ; fifty‑fourth—First ward, Oakland and a portion of Oakland township; fifty-fifth—Second and Third wards, Oakland; fifty-seventh—Fifth and Seventh wards, Oakland and part of Oakland township.

        In July the Army and Navy League held an immense campfire in Germania hall. The cry was "Blaine, Logan and Victory." Among the speakers were Henry Edgerton, Joseph McKenna, Mayor Henry C. Cook, L. W. Allum, L. B. Edwards, George W. Tyler, Captain Huley and Col. E. M. Gibson.

        There was much excitement here in July over the proceedings of the national republican convention at Chicago. Large crowds surrounded the bulletin boards. When the nomination of Blaine was a certainty the republican hords of the county went wild for a few days and held rousing ratification meetings at which the best local orators in eloquent terms voiced the approbation of the party.

        A convention of the regular republicans of Alameda met in 1884 and nominated a cut-and-dried ticket and assumed that they had done all that was necessary to gain the approval of the voters. But this convention was not permitted to have its own way without a fight. A ticket in opposition by persons who were dissatisfied with the former nominees or with the course of the former meeting was put up, the candidates for trustees being as follows: E. B. Mastick, T. A. Smith, G. C. Hall, F. H. McCormisk, C. C. Volberg; school trustees—D. J. Sullivan, A. Mayrisch, O. Lubbock, C. A. Brown, T. A. Thomson; marshal—F. K. Krauth, Jr.; recorder—J. W. Clark; treasurer—P. L. Shoaff; assessor—James Millington; clerk—J. M. Reynolds. It was charged that this ticket was instigated by certain real estate interests. The committee of thirty-three that had nominated the other ticket met on December 16th and by resolutions advocated the following measures: The streets should be sewered, paved and lighted; there should be an adequate police force; the public schools should be kept up to the highest standard; the candidates nominated, if elected, pledged themselves to see the foregoing measures carried into effect. The total vote cast at the Alameda city election was 751—a light one. The result of the election was as follows: Town trustees—E. B. Mastick, T. A. Smith, G. C. Hall, E. F. Rea and R. S. Falconer; school directors—D. J. Sullivan, Isaac Manheim, A. Mayrisch, C. A. Brown, T. A. Thomson; marshal—James Cook; recorder—C. M. Radcliff; treasurer—N. W. Palmer; assessor—E. M. Smith; clerk—James Millington.

        When the news began to arrive from all parts of the country in November, and it seemed as if first one and then the other party had won, the crowds here around the bulletin boards went wild and for several days apparently did not leave the streets. This county of course was not in doubt, but the excitement was over the general result. Alameda county gave Blaine 7,558, Cleveland 4,735, St. John 105, Butler 89. The whole republican county ticket was elected by large majorities―1,000 to 3,000 except, in the case of one—Supervisor Dusterberry, democrat, defeated Musser, republican. The total vote of the county was 12,365, of which 7,331 were polled in Oakland. In 1880 the total vote was 9,837, of which 5,762 were cast in Oakland. In 1884 Haywards distinguished itself by polling nineteen votes for St. John, the prohibition candidate.  The republicans in March, 1885, nominated E. W. Playter for mayor and a full municipal ticket. The election was strictly a party contest. The democrats hoped to capture some of the offices through the apathy or folly of the republicans. The democrats nominated John S. Drum for mayor. This campaign was remarkably free from personalities. The result was the election of the following republicans: mayor, four councilmen out of seven, six school directors out of seven, and all the free library trustees; also treasurer and assessor. The total vote was 5,549. Playter, republican, received 2,901 votes and J. S. Drum, democrat, 2,645 votes.

        At the municipal election in Berkeley in May, 1885, the following officers were elected: For trustees—J. M. Creed, H. L. Whitney and W. C. Wright; school directors—R. W. Andrews, C. H. Burr and Chris. Johnson; marshal—Philip Monroe; clerk—T. F. Graber; treasurer—Thomas Hann; justices of the peace—C. N. Terry and C. R. Lord; constable—T. F. Henderkin and W. H. Menefee; assessor—R. A. Morse. Two tickets were in the field. The total vote cast was 537—East Berkeley 313, and West Berkeley 224. The two tickets were called people's and citizens'.

        In the spring of 1886 the republicans renominated Mayor Playter and put up a full ticket. In the convention there was sharp rivalry, but the best of feeling. The contest was a preference of persons rather than a question of character or ability. Both parties named good men and while party lines were generally followed, there were many cases of scratching through personal prejudices. Newspapers urged voters to stick to their party in order to secure prestige for the approaching state contest. The democrats nominated Capt. John Hackett for mayor and also placed a full ticket in the field. John H. Church ran as an independent candidate for mayor. He declared that both parties, republican and democrat, had lowered their colors to a railroad company, in other words had ceased to serve the people. There was a conflict between two railroads, narrow gauge and broad gauge and the parties, he declared, had espoused the cause of the one or the other. He also opposed the merchant's license and favored a reduction of official salaries—that of the mayor included to be cut down to $1,000.

        At the San Leandro town election in 1886 a war of races resulted in the election of a mixed ticket. The Irish and Portuguese were unfriendly. The republicans cut and slashed their own ticket or it would have won in spite of the fact that the town was really democratic by about thirty-five majority. At the town election in Haywards two tickets were put up—people's and citizens'. The anti-boycotting sentiment was represented by the people's, which was elected by about 3 to 1. The voters evidently did not believe business men should be boycotted because they employed Chinese laborers. At the Berkeley town election in May there were two tickets in the field—citizens' and people's; the greater portion of the former was elected.

        An assemblage of republicans and others called the taxpayers' convention met on March 8, 1887. Several inflammatory speeches were delivered and immediately thereafter the following action was taken: "That it is not for the best interests of the city to return Pardee, the incumbent, to the office of mayor, and that should General Dodge consent to become the candidate of the taxpayers this convention will give him their hearty support." In a spirited speech W. M. Graham thereupon formally nominated General Dodge. The acceptance by that gentleman was received with great applause by the convention. This opposition movement of the alleged taxpayers was against the so-called "ring" in the municipal government—against a packed convention and a cut-and-dried ticket. It was claimed that when Henry Durant ran on the regular republican ticket for mayor, Doctor Pardee bolted the ticket and ran in opposition, doing his best to defeat Durant, and that now that same Doctor Pardee had so grown in influence in certain political quarters that he could pack the convention and laugh at any one shrewd enough to understand his game. It was claimed that it took the "ring committee of seven" three nights to prepare a list of favorable delegates who would be sure to renominate Doctor Pardee.

        The issues were: (1) a clearly defined system of public improvements; (2) a park; (3) a boulevard around Lake Merritt; (4) a broad avenue skirting the base of the foothills; (5) a thorough sewerage system; (6) and a definite settlement of the water front problem. As a matter of fact the republican party as such did not renominate Doctor Pardee. All of this was denied by the committee of 101 and the republican press. The old administration supported Doctor Pardee with great unanimity and vigor. Not a single serious charge was made against him or his supporters. The Democrat supported Pardee and the Tribune supported Dodge. Parties were split. It was local faction against local faction and no doubt personal reasons and private gain cut something of a figure in this spirited contest. But people were tired of professional and omnipresent office seekers. The result was the reelection of Doctor E. H. Pardee, by a majority of 145 votes. In 1876 his majority over Ex-Judge Stanly was 615. At the presidential election in 1876 the republican majority in the city was over 1,300. The result showed that the administration under Doctor Pardee was not seriously condemned. He received 1,830 votes and General Dodge 1,685. The former carried the First, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Seventh wards and the latter the Second and Sixth. A majority of the republican ticket was elected. As a whole the contest was one of the closest and warmest ever held in the city.

        In i887 the vote of the American party before the election was a doubtful and serious problem in local municipal politics. It was seen that the party was sure to poll a large vote and the republicans, at least, were scared. At the election, although they won, the republicans realized that they had a new and formidable enemy to encounter in future elections in all probability. W. R. Davis, the republican candidate, won but did not have a majority of all the votes polled. This was food for serious thought. The result was—for mayor, W. R. Davis, republican, 2,761; Henry. Hayes, democrat, 2,009; J. W. Martin, American, 1,357; scattering 35.

        The republican city convention in 1888 nominated Dr. S. H. Melvin for mayor; he was chosen on the second ballot against Mr. Shattuck and Mr. Brown. The convention reaffirmed the resolutions adopted by the republican city convention in 1887 that "the republican party has and now declares a local policy which is in favor of every legitimate enterprise calculated to develop the resources of the community and the interests of the city." The democrats nominated Charles D. Pierce for mayor and a full party ticket. The convention of the American party nominated for mayor, J. West Martin, who, though a member of the American party, at first declined, but finally accepted when he was nominated again by acclamation and with intense enthusiasm. The convention named a full city ticket and otherwise prepared for a stirring campaign. The city nomination convention of the American party assembled March 1st, in Camron hall. The convention consisted of all the club members of that party in this city. There were in all ninety-seven delegates. The result of the election was as follows: Melvin, republican, 2,309; Pierce, democrat, 2,376; Martin, American, 858; Gregg, independent, 67. The remainder of the republican ticket was elected.

        The democratic county convention in 1888, approved the democratic national platform, endorsed President Cleveland's course on the reciprocity problem, demanded ward and township registration in this county; promised to contribute in every way to every movement that would assist in the construction of good roads and generally the prosperity of the county, and favored the total exclusion of the Chinese from this country. The convention was harmonious and placed a full ticket in the field. The republican county convention in September adopted resolutions favoring free common schools, the construction of better roads and highways throughout the county, the proposed public improvements in Oakland, and encouragement to any railroad company that would build a road across any portion of the county. The convention named a full ticket. The republicans constructed a large campaign wigwam at Fourteenth and Broadway. It was built by subscription. While the democrats were slow to organize for campaign purposes, they were not slow to secure the registration of all members of their party. By July l0th they had but one club in Oakland, while the republicans had about a dozen. The prohibitionists were also active in effecting complete registration and the necessary naturalization. Alfred A. Moore was a candidate for the republican nomination for chief justice of the supreme court. At this time he was the recognized leader of the Alameda county bar. He was peculiarly fitted for this high place, but in July retired from the contest. There was for the first time a law for ward and township registration which closed thirty days before election.

        The formation of political clubs became fashionable—transcended the impure bounds of political mud slinging and mounted the stage of society, comedy and tragedy as the participants should elect. It was popular for the young men to join the clubs and popular for the young ladies to join the young men. It then seemed necessary for the mothers to put in a dignified appearance occasionally and join both, and soon martial music and the nursery lullabys were blended in the sweetest nuptial harmony.

        In 1888 W. D. English, of Oakland, chairman of the democratic state central committee, a shrewd and able politician, directed all his efforts to the election of one or two democrats in this republican stronghold for the effect such an accomplishment would have on the approaching state and presidential elections. He directed his utmost efforts to the election of Mr. Pierce, democrat, for mayor; and Mr. Crawford for city school superintendent. He had the assistance of the best and brainiest democrats in this city and county. Again the contest was triangular as it had been in 1887. The republicans were so certain of victory that they went to sleep and the result was a democratic victory in the essentials. The republicans were defeated by their own apathy and by the massed forces of the democrats.     During the campaign the republicans of Haywards made an excellent showing with a uniformed club, a crack drill corps and unabated enthusiasm. Elmer Welch was their drill master.

        In the political campaign of 1888 Berkeley, Haywards and San Leandro were very active from the start. A large wigwam was built at Haywards by the republicans and was the only one in the state outside of San Francisco. It seated, 2,000 people. J. L. Scotchler was at the head of the republican activities in Berkeley—was president of the Harrison and Morton Club. A large mass meeting there ratified the republican ticket. At San Leandro the republicans made desperate efforts to carry that town. W. C. Wright was president of the republican club of West Berkeley. Every ward in Oakland had its republican and democratic clubs. Up to July l0th, the democrats had done little or nothing in campaign matters. The Iroquois Club was busy and two or three bandana clubs were organized. Their efforts were thus far spent in selecting a ticket that would win. The republican banner was borne to Los Angeles by a committee of Oakland republicans in December, 1888, E. L. Denison, W. E. Hale and W. E. Dargie originated the idea and custom. The voters in November, 1888, were called upon to vote twice at different booths on the same day—once for the national party ticket and once for the new Oakland charter.

        The contest at the municipal election in 1889 centered on the selection of mayor and the four councilmen at large, because upon them would rest much of the responsibility of organizing and putting at work the board of public works provided for under the new constitution. All realized that the success of the charter would depend largely upon the manner in which it was set in operation. Upon the new mayor rested the responsibility of appointing the board of public works which would control absolutely all public improvements and thus be wholly a new power and consideration in all municipal elections and affairs. The election contest in the spring was probably the most exciting ever held in Oakland up to that date. The new charter completely revolutionized municipal conduct and control and private interests fought hard for supremacy. The war of ideas and candidates began at the primaries and ended only after the successful factions and party had duly and grandiloquently celebrated their victory and perhaps had counted the spoils. There was a hot fight in the republican ranks at the primaries —to such an extent that it was said that "Peace spread her wings and flew weeping away." The mayor and the board of public works were bull's eyes at which all the official aspirants aimed their lances and their partisan hopes. The following republicans were candidates for mayor: J. P. Ames, H. A. Powell, F. K. Shattuck, A. C. Henry and M. J. Keller. Each candidate had his supporters and the pledges and betrayals were numerous and glaring. Charges of fraud flew fast like rain drops on a wintry day. Thus the primaries were anything but conclusive and clearly not harmonious. The trouble was in the Fourth ward. At the convention, a faction of the republicans bolted the regular convention—the first time in history. The delegates of the Third and Seventh wards went out, and the others nominated Judge A. P. Ames for mayor. The two wards bolted on the ground, as they claimed, that political chicanery ruled the convention. The platform ,adopted favored industrial education, promised enforcement of the new charter, sustained the public schools, favored a free and untrammeled ballot, encouraged manufacturers, thanked congressmen for the harbor appropriation, hailed with delight the passage of the Scott Chinese exclusion bill and recognized the demands of the laboring community. Concerning the bolt Doctor Pardee said that the act sounded the bugle against corruption. N. W. Spaulding said that he had seen trouble coming from the Fourth ward for a long time and knew that the corrupt practices exhibited there would cause trouble in the party. The two ward delegations met later, Mr. Spaulding presiding.

        They were joined by the delegates of the American party. On the platform were five ex-mayors: N. W. Spauding, E. H. Pardee, J. E. Blethen, J. West Martin and E. W. Playter. In resolutions they endorsed the bolt on the ground "of a packed convention with delegates from the Fourth ward fraudulently elected in violation of law by ballot-box stuffers," and further resolved that citizens of the Fourth ward had been practically disfranchised at the primary by dummies in line who kept out legal voters until too late to vote—and who had obstructed the polls.

        The result was that the bolting delegation fused with the democratic party, each naming half of the fusion ticket, with John R. Glascock as candidate for the mayoralty. Separate conventions were held and each named candidates for the offices agreed upon. The independent republicans, as the bolters called themselves, favored a liberal construction of the new charter and the nomination of men who would give it a fair trial, pledged an election to vote upon the question of raising money for public improvements, advocated such an extension of the city limits as would embrace all outlying and contiguous territory and farms, and asked the cooperation of all citizens in an effort to prevent filibustering at the polls. As a matter of fact, the course taken by the Fourth ward was due to the failure of that portion of the city to defeat the new charter when it was first voted for and afterwards in the Legislature. Having suffered total and inglorious failure in the opposition, they now sought by hook or crook to place in the mayor's chair and on the board of public works officials who would practically kill or disgrace and make odious the new charter and everything and everybody connected with it. The democratic wing of the fusion alliance passed. resolutions discountenancing every act of fraud at elections, favoring public improvements, sustaining the public school system, promising a fair trial for the new charter, favoring competitive lines of railways, encouraging manufacturers, pledging the party to honest administration, and promised the laboring people of Oakland the support of the democratic party in all honest and lawful efforts to advance their interests and promote their material welfare. The American party reinforced the citizens' ticket as the fusion nominees were called. They nominated Mr. Glascock for mayor by acclamation and chose other fusion candidates for subordinate places.

        The fusion of the independent republicans and the democrats (in 1889) caused the prohibitionists and Americans to name separate tickets. The nominees for mayor were as follows: Republican, J. P. Ames; citizens', John R. Glascock; American, John R. Glascock; prohibition, Galen M. Fisher. The result was the complete success of the citizens ticket. For treasurer Mr. Gilpin was the nominee of the republican, citizens' and American tickets. John R. Glascock carried every ward. The vote was as follows: For mayor—Ames (R), 2,131; Glascock (Cit. & Am.), 5,148; Fisher (Pro.), 119; Glascock plurality, 2, 987. The result was a blow at boss or ring rule which the citizens of this city did not forget for many years. At the Alameda. municipal election on April 1, 1889, there were polled a total of 1,196 votes. There was no contest nor excitement.

        The Alameda County American Citizens Equal Rights Association, an organization of the African race, made strong efforts to secure a place on the republican ticket. There were in the county at this time nearly nine hundred colored voters. In view of this fact and their faithfulness to the party they asked that a colored man might be named on the ticket as a candidate for the state legislature. They asked that J. B. Wilson, managing editor of the San Francisco Elevator, might be so nominated. At this time the association above named numbered 325 members.

        In the campaign of 1890 the democrats concentrated on Charles McCleverty for sheriff, John Hackett for assessor, and C. Lionel Dam for clerk. In 1882 McCleverty was elected sheriff by a plurality of 580 votes. The democrats thought his popularity would again enable him to win and so again nominated him in 1890. It was believed also that Mr. Hackett's popularity would enable him to win. They nominated T. O. Crawford for county superintendent for the same reason. They had nominated him for that office in 1882, but he had declined on the ground that the democratic party in this county was against the so-called Sunday law and he refused to follow them. The speech of the campaign of 1890 at Oakland was delivered by Colonel Markham, republican nominee for Governor, at Germania hall, which could not hold the audience that assembled. There were bon-fires, Roman candles, parades and much partisan enthusiasm. Judge Gibson was, severely criticised by the republican journals for deserting the republican party merely because they decided to nominate an equally good and deserving member of the legal profession for superior judge. The republicans had made him district attorney for five years, superior judge for nearly six years, named him mayor of Oakland, railroad commissioner and Indian commissioner, etc. For nearly twenty years he had occupied office through votes or appointments of republicans. Now it was said of him that he was nothing if not a politician. The republican ticket was elected throughout. This result was certain in view of the enormous republican majority in the county and the harmonious and united nature of the campaign. The bitter and scurrilous fight against Judge Greene utterly failed to accomplish his defeat. There was considerable scratching of tickets, but as a whole voters clung to their party nominees. The personal popularity of certain democratic candidates enabled them to make deep inroads on the majorities of their opponents, but not deep enough to win success. For Congress McKenna (R) received in the county 9,190 votes; Irish (D. & A.), 6,979; and Felkner (Pro.), 388. For Governor, Markham (R) received 9,333 votes; Pont (D.), 6,274; Bidwell (A. & P.), 1,080. For superior court judges (2) Henshaw (R), 9,266; Greene (R. & A.), 8,996; Gibson (D), 7.955; Roseborough (D), 5,809. The democrats elected a justice of the peace at Haywards, and a constable at Pleasanton.

        From the start the political situation in Oakland in the spring of 1891 presented many complex and baffling features which no politician however astute could solve in advance or in any effective way untangle. The Americans wooed the board of trade, the improvement associations and the citizens committee; the democrats proclaimed the right of the combination to the favor and franchises of the voters, and the republicans sought to rally their scattered flock into the party fold once more. Unquestionably the latter had the advantage, because the necessity of the combination had already disappeared and republicans were sure to come back wiser and holier to the fold. The prohibitionists prepared to contest the field with any and all parties that did not pronounce against the liquor interest. It was generally agreed that the combination had not during the past two years done such striking and pronounced good, that it should without question be returned to power and glory. The local option alliance figured well at this time.

        In March, 1891, amid great ceremony, the banner won by Los Angeles county in 1886 was brought to Oakland and presented to the banner republican county of the state in 1890. Eloquent speeches rendered the occasion memorable. Attorney Kelley, of Los Angeles, read an interesting history of the flag from October 20, 1775, down to date.

        The republicans nominated Melvin C. Chapman for mayor and named a full ticket. W. R. Davis was chairman of the convention. The platform declared for a local policy that encouraged and aided every legitimate enterprise calculated to develop the city; sustained the public schools, favored for teachers graduates of the Oakland schools and actual residents of the city; favored street, sewer, plaza, drive and park improvements; demanded the reclamation of the West Oakland marsh, a boulevard around Lake Merritt and the proper dredging of that sheet of water; expressed the opinion that the mercantile and manufacturing license tax was an unwise and unnecessary system of taxation; opposed any reduction of the liquor license; pledged the party to the encouragement of all legitimate industries and promised strongest restrictions on all occupations or practices that interfered with the peace, harmony and order of the community. The party was united, was out in full panoply and force and at once prepared for active work to secure the election of the whole ticket. A ticket of well known and substantial men was named. The party was determined to regain the power and confidence which in a large measure it had lost two years before.

        The democrats nominated Charles G. Yale for mayor and likewise named nearly a full ticket. The convention was harmonious, though there were some differences on local option matters. Cary Howard acted as chairman of the convention. The platform favored the reclamation of the West Oakland marsh, the construction of the lake boulevard, a complete system of sewerage, the dredging of Lake Merritt, and the issuance of bonds to secure these improvements; sustained the public schools and favored home teachers; expressed the opinion that the streets should be opened to tide water; supported the present license system; promised support of an election to determine the continuance or discontinuance of the drinking saloon; expressed the belief that the water supply could be improved by filtering, etc.; promised that the estuary touching the Sixth ward should be improved; and deplored the death of George Hearst. Admittedly, the democratic ticket and platform were strong and popular, so much so that the republicans were spurred to united and heroic methods during the rest of the campaign.

        The American party invited the East and the West Oakland Improvement Clubs, the citizens committee of one hundred, the board of trade, the local option alliance and a large number of representative citizens to meet them in a non­partisan convention to name a municipal ticket. But as there appeared to be no hurry to accept this invitation, the American party resolved to hold a strictly party convention and name a straight party ticket. With the Americans, the prohibitionists, the local option alliance, the combination, the straight democrats and the straight republicans, Oakland experienced lurid times just preceding the municipal election in 1891.

        Under the reform ballot law popularly known as the Australian system, an entirely new and different order of procedure was necessary. All the parties preferred statements of what should be done by their organizations and followers. In 1891 many citizens and business houses requested L. W. Kennedy to become a candidate for mayor. He granted the request. The campaign was spirited, quiet and free from personal abuse. The local option faction threw much doubt on the result. Pledges had been signed by 5,000 citizens; the question thus arose, how far such obligations would be binding upon the signers. The result of the contest was as follows: For Mayor Chapman (R) 4,240; Yale (D) 2141; Reed (A) 207; Gregg (Pro.) 59. Concerning this election (1891) Rev. J. K. McLean said to the temperance women: "Your wish may not prevail, but hope on. It is only a question of time when the silent influence you possess will conquer." Rev. C. W. Wendte said that the paramount issue was not city improvements, but was the overthrow of the saloon power. Rev. C. H. Hobart told the voters to elect men who represented purity and right—local optionists. Rev. E. R. Dille recommended voters to scratch for the best men and against the saloons. Rev. Dr. Coyle aided the battle at the polls for men who favored a local option election. Rev. Frank Dixon said those who favored local option would find themselves about to sit down without a chair, that the politicians obscured the real issue which was temperance, that many men prominent in the campaign favored high water and low whisky. Rev. Dr. Chapman declared that the real question was temperance—whether the liquor traffic should be continued in the city or not. Of the thirty officers elected only three were democrats—councilmen.

        In the spring of 1891 two tickets were in the field at Berkeley, viz.: non­partisan and independent taxpayers. It was the most exciting election ever held in that town. Desperate efforts were adopted to defeat the non-partisan ticket; one objection was that eight of the candidates were of foreign birth. However the ticket, with one exception, was successful. The platform of the winners espoused public economy and improvement with individual liberty and social order, ample school facilities, moderate taxation, electric lights, enforcement of the university liquor law, public franchises not to be granted without due restrictions, protection against fires, establishment of a general system of improvement, and streets and drives to be beautified. The North Berkeley Club took an active part in the election, but failed to win a point. The independent taxpayers attributed their defeat largely to the fact that the temperance people did not vote. It was really a partial victory for the saloons. The independent taxpayers ticket was called "Burst the Ring ticket." The highest number of votes polled for any one candidate was 763 for McVey for constable. At Haywards there were two tickets in the field, the taxpayers and an unnamed ticket.

        The former being public improvement advocates, they elected their entire ticket, there being polled 283 votes.

        In June, 1892, the republicans in all parts of the county assembled and ratified the renomination of General Harrison for president. The political campaign of 1892 in Alameda county was unexampled for its quietness and lack of subterfuges and surprises. Although the county was stumped by the parties, there were small crowds and little enthusiasm. The Dark Lantern Municipal League was the term applied to all persons who opposed the issuance of bonds for the public improvements demanded generally in 1891-92. It was declared the organization proper comprised only thirty members. The league declared their object was solely political and had nothing to do with the bond question. The league was active and powerful. Its president was Giles H. Gray. Its standing committee of twenty prepared lists of desirable delegates to the municipal convention in December, 1892. Fifty-six delegates were elected to the convention.

        The republican delegate convention of July, 1892, was one of the liveliest ever held. It was the first for twenty years in which a straight fight was made for an Alameda county man for Congress. The Congressmen supported for many years in Alameda county were Joseph McKenna and H. F. Page, both of whom were excellent and satisfactory, but now this county at last demanded its own Representative in Congress. The county convention of the people's party assembled in San Leandro in August, 1892. They declared in favor of having the water front returned to the Government, denounced the state board of equalization for allowing the Water Front Company's property claims in Oakland valued at $12,000,000 to be assessed at a little over $100,000 and the improvements of the Southern Pacific Company valued at several millions to be assessed for $8,000. The convention named nearly a full county ticket. The republican county convention met in the Tabernacle at Eleventh and Harrison streets on September 19th; George E. Whitney served as chairman. The platform declared in favor of education, temperance, morality, the administration of public office for the benefit of the whole people and made the following pronouncement: "Partisanship in the republican party means patriotism and it includes all the elements of wise, conservative and sound citizenship." There was good feeling, but there were sharp contests for several of the offices, including that of sheriff. The convention demanded that county business should be conducted upon business principles and George C. Perkins was recommended for the United States Senate. At the November election nine constitutional amendments were submitted to the people. Six were carried in this county and were to limit debts of counties, cities, etc.; to tell how cities could adopt charters; to elect Senators by direct vote of the people, to sustain the San Francisco depot act, to require an educational qualification for voters, and to provide for refunding the state debt.

        The election of November, 1892, was the first in the state to put the Australian system, of voting into practice. There was some confusion resulting from a misunderstanding of how to mark, and otherwise prepare the ballot. The result of the election in Alameda county astonished and dismayed the republicans, surprised and delighted the democrats and caused no unusual nor alarming emotions in the breasts or brains of the prohibitionists or peoples' party advocates. The vote for presidential electors was as follows: republican 8,712; democrat 7,109; people's party 2,110; prohibitionist 442 Robert McKillican (D.) was elected sheriff. The Australian ballot was successful and liked. In 1892 Judge Samuel G. Hilborn (R.) ran for Congress from the third district for both short and long terms, his opponent being Warren English (D.). Judge Hilborn carried this county, and at first it seemed that he had carried the district. As the reports came in it seemed first as if one and then the other led in the race. The final count showed Hilborn in the lead by three votes. Mr. English contested and in the democratic house of Congress was victorious.

        The local election in Alameda surprised the wise men of that town. Democrats were successful and old, reliable and entrenched office holders were shaken up or turned down. At the county election P. L. Bassett, C. D. Bennett, A. C. Fray, J. W. Riley and A. Schrayer were elected members of the sanitary board of the Fruit Vale Sanitary District.

        In May, 1892, there were three tickets in the field in Berkeley: non-partisan, independent taxpayers and prohibition. The latter accomplished little, though polling eighty votes. Generally the non-partisan candidates were elected. The Australian system was used and about sixty ballots were thrown out for irregularity. Although East Berkeley was a temperance district drunken men were seen there on election day. Nearly a thousand votes were cast. At Livermore there were two tickets; citizens' and independent. Generally the former won. The number of votes polled was 255. The Australian system was used and worked well. The town election of San Leandro was lively and resulted in the selection of a mixed ticket. Only two tickets were in the field—republican and democratic. Personal popularity determined the victors. The total number of votes cast was 382. Sturtevant, Eber, Goodman, Hansen and Quinn were the trustees chosen.

        In January, 1893, the Citizens' Municipal League, a non-partisan organization expressed dissatisfaction with the city government; declared that official position and influence were unblushingly used for personal profit rather than for the public good; stated that $20,000 of the people's money had been dumped into the mud of Lake Merritt without any real benefit to the city; denounced the subserviency of the city officials to the dictation of a venal press; denounced the establishment of poolrooms and the awarding of illegal printing contracts; congratulated the citizens of Oakland upon the decision of the United States supreme court in the Chicago lake front case whereby it was recognized that a public harbor could not be monopolized by a private corporation; favored the speedy recovery of the Oakland water front by the city, the entry of competing railroad lines, the dredging of Lake Merritt, the construction of an efficient sewer system, larger returns to the city for railroad franchises, cheaper and better water and light, strict enforcement of liquor laws, suppression of gambling and exclusion of saloons from residence districts; declared that the boulevard as then projected and commenced should never be completed—that if should be built upon the shores of the lake without diminishing the area of the water park, the abutting lands to sustain the cost; and insisted that public printing should be done by the lowest bidder.

        The republicans of Oakland nominated a straight party ticket and refused to accept any compromises or plan alterations. Great pressure was brought bear to induce them to accept candidates from other factions, but to no avail. As a matter of history it was admitted that the municipal league pleaded with the republican managers to endorse their ticket. This they did after villifying the party for months, first abusing and threatening and then palavering and pleading. Their pleadings were coldly and indignantly turned down.

        The prohibitionists in their platform called for reform in municipal affairs, asserted that the city should possess its own water front and monopolies, arraigned the non-partisan ticket supporters for discriminating in favor of the liquor traffic and gambling and for their "cowardly silence on all moral issues," and denounced the members of the council who had betrayed their trust.

        The democratic convention of 1893 was harmonious and determined. There was no contest in the convention. Mr. McFadden served as chairman and said they had met to complete the work so well begun. T. C. Coogan nominated for mayor R. M. Fitzgerald and the nomination was made unanimous. The platform adopted promised a reduction in taxation, favored the eight-hour labor law and endorsed improvements in schools, streets, sewers, administration, street franchises, letting of contracts, water front, etc. The platform said, "We are opposed to all sumptuary legislation and believe that no license should be required for any business which would render the same onerous and burdensome." At the republican convention Timothy L. Barker was nominated for mayor. George E. Whitney was chairman. George C. Pardee was candidate for mayor but was defeated in the convention. Strong speeches of Moore and Chickering were called out by the threat of a bolt from a faction of the party. The platform was long and contained the usual pledges on schools, streets, sewers, bonds, water front, saloons, franchises, etc. The populists nominated for mayor J. L. Davie; the prohibitionists, F. W. Sawyer and the municipal league George C. Pardee. Thus there were five tickets in the field. The republicans and the democrats nominated party tickets. The municipal league and the populists announced that they were out for reform. Late in March, 1893, Dr. E. H. Woolsey was announced as an independent candidate for mayor. At his meetings he exposed the political defects and characters with lantern slides. His speeches were the sensation of the campaign. His meetings were attended by the largest audiences of the campaign, were wholly original and unique, and went to the bottom of the political sins of this community. More than a hundred lantern slides were exhibited—some serious, many comic and humorous and all interesting and thought producing. His was the most lurid, original, spectacular and sensational candidacy ever presented here, but he got few votes.

        The convention of the people's party was held in Liberty hall in January, with Frank Dixon presiding. Its platform promised that the government of Oakland should be removed from the hands of men and parties who made traffic of the sacred interests of the people and had done what they could to make citizenship itself infamous; that the Contra Costa Water Company should be arrested in its robbery of the public; that the city should proceed at once to take possession of the water front through its proper officers, treating present occupants as trespassers on the ground that said water front never had been and never could be alienated from the people; that the act of the present city council in appropriating the money of the people to the improvement of private property bordering upon Lake Merritt should be denounced as shameless treachery; that a suitable sewer system should be built; that the granting of further franchises or special privileges to individuals or corporations should be resisted, and that the public school system should be expanded and perfected. The result was the success of the municipal league ticket with a few exceptions; George C. Pardee was elected mayor on the non-partisan ticket. The vote for mayor was as follows: Barker (R.), 946; Davie (Pop.), 2,328; Fitzgerald (D.), 2,191; Pardee (Non-P.), 2,776; Sawyer (Pro.), 42; Woolsey (Indp.), 47. In July, 1893, George C. Perkins was appointed to the United States Senate vice Mr. Stanford deceased.

        The citizens of Berkeley interested in prohibition formed the citizens' league and nominated a town ticket in 1893. The aim of the league was to make the municipal laws conform to the statutes, to reinforce the university mile liquor act by an ordinance making it easier to secure evidence, to provide more fully for sanitary and street improvements and for the needs of the public schools. The law and order league and the prohibition club merged into the citizens' league.

        In Alameda two municipal conventions, in 1893, each claiming to be non­partisan, but tickets in the field and the platforms favored the same objects with striking similarity. However, there was an inside fight on the question of control of the saloon traffics

        The republicans in 1894 nominated for mayor J. W. Nelson and named a full city ticket. The platform opposed boss rule, pledged an economical administration, promised a generous policy of public improvements, favored an early settlement of the water front question, congratulated the citizens that the water rate question had been finally and permanently settled by competition, advocated a rigid enforcement of the liquor laws, favored the dredging of Lake Merritt and the conveyance of the material to the West Oakland marsh and recommended the establishment of a public crematory for the disposal of garbage, etc. The populists declined to fuse and nominated a full ticket with John L. Davie as candidate for mayor. An attempt of the American Protective Association to inject matters concerning religion into the platform was defeated by the convention. The municipal league or non-partisan convention nominated for mayor J. W. Nelson, thus endorsing so much of the republican ticket. They announced no particular policy or platform except wise administration and advancement. The democrats named a full ticket with T. C. Coogan for mayor. The platform favored public improvements, endorsed the project of constructing the valley railroad, favored the appointment of a non-partisan commission to investigate official corruption, denounced official favoritism; insisted that the water front question should be speedily settled in the courts of last resort and favored a crematory and a city sanitary system, etc. The non-partisan convention named a full ticket with J. W. Nelson for mayor at the head. The prohibitionists named for mayor Dr. P. McCargar. At a later stage the democrats endorsed the nomination of J. W. Nelson for mayor. Davie was elected.

        The county populist convention was held in Oakland on July l0th ; C. N. Hitchcock served as chairman. The platform urged that the issue between capital and labor be squarely met; advocated government ownership of railroads and county or municipal ownership of water, gas and electric plants, and declared that public franchises should be for public benefit. A strong county ticket was nominated. The convention after declaring its principles and policies upheld "the right of every American citizen to proceed to Washington to enter the grounds and the capitol and to present their grievances and demands," thus endorsing the movements of Coxey's army. The prohibition state convention met in Hamilton Hall on May 16th; George B. Kellogg of Placer county, served as chairman. There was a large attendance of prominent temperance advocates from all parts of the state. The usual resolutions were passed—among them being one demanding suffrage for women, one favoring the election of President and United States Senators by direct vote of the people, and one advocating a graduated land tax. The convention nominated Henry French, of San Jose, for Governor. The democratic state convention nominated James H. Budd for Governor. W. R. English of Oakland was nominated for Congress.

        The democratic county primaries were held September 18, 1894; there was little contest or enthusiasm. The county convention assembled at San Leandro September 22d, in St. Joseph's Hall, which was beautifully decorated. J. J. Scrivner presided over the convention. The platform favored low taxation and pledged the candidates if elected to a reduction of salaries 25 per cent from those then paid. On September 15th the republican primary election was held at Haywards. The main fights were over delegates who would favor certain candidates for superior judge, county assessor, county clerk, county treasurer and sheriff. There were sharp contests in the wards and smaller towns. Haywards felt greatly honored by the presence of this convention and was decorated in gala attire, particularly Native Son's hall where the proceedings were held. The surprises were the new candidates nominated. The convention opposed the railroad refunding bill then before Congress, favored a rigid retrenchment in county expenditures, and pledged the ticket to improve and keep in repair the principal county roads—particularly the Contra Costa county road.

        The republican campaign of 1894 opened in this county on August 18th, with the appearance of M. M. Estee, republican candidate for governor, who delivered a comprehensive and telling speech to a large audience. 'He thoroughly reviewed the labor troubles and declared he had been warned as to what he should say in Oakland, because of the strike and the academic air that prevailed here. He did not mince words nor restrict thought, but attacked every disturbing and unfair element before the public. The Alameda county non-partisan convention assembled in Hamilton hall on September 11th; C. R. Lewis presided. The convention demanded that every department of the county government should be kept free from partisan politics. Nearly a full ticket was chosen. The election was a surprise to the members of all parties. With a few exceptions the republican ticket was elected, several candidates by a very narrow margin. Sanford, populist, was elected treasurer and Garlick, populist and non-partisan, was chosen superintendent of schools; Collins, republican, was defeated by McDonald, democrat, for the Assembly. C. B. White, populist, had a large plurality over Schaffer, republican, for sheriff. Several other surprises occurred. The irregularities of the pluralities of the successful candidates betrayed the working of agencies wholly foreign to partisanship. The popularity of Judge Renshaw was revealed by the result. The existence of personal considerations and factional leanings was shown in every precinct. For Governor: Budd (D.), received 6,786; Estee (R.), 8,150; French (Pro.), 616; Webster (P.P.), 4,531. Fred M. Campbell, who ran independently for county school superintendent, received 3,380 votes and D. M. Pugh (Pro.), received 336. It was seen that old methods of candidacy, convention and tickets were seriously invaded. While party nominations were still of supreme importance, they no longer possessed the sanctity of former years. No sooner was this election over than politicians and parties began to decipher and weigh the influences and issues of the approaching municipal campaign in the spring of 1895. All the nine amendments except one were carried. A public improvement campaign was next on the program, it was said.

        The vote for judge of the supreme court in the state convention was as follows: Henshaw, 659; Torrence, 516; De Haven, 422. Judge Henshaw was a graduate of Oakland high school and of the University of California in 1879.

        In 1892 the great register contained 22,873 names; in 1894 it contained 29,362. This great increase was a surprise to many who did not know how fast the county was growing.  This registry was as follows:

        The elections in Haywards and San Leandro in April, 1894, followed party lines very closely, with enough personality to add zest to the occasions. San Leandro was really a democratic town. In both towns the sharpest contest was over the town marshal who was assumed to be an important factor in the liquor question.

        In a close contest George C. Perkins was elected to the United States Senate in January, 1895 ; his strongest competitor was M. H. De Young of San Francisco.

        Early in 1895 the populists were particularly active in their preparations for the municipal fight approaching. The republicans were active early, but the democrats were slow. The municipal league prepared to put a full ticket in the field. Late in January there was held the special election to determine the will of the voters of Oakland regarding the proposed amendments to the city charter; they decided in favor of the measures, which fact was recognized as an open endorsement of the course of Mayor Pardee whose renomination was strongly recommended by a large faction. The municipal league had grown in favor and the old parties found it necessary to defer to its dictum.

        The municipal election of 1895 was a surprise to almost everybody. No one properly estimated the strength of the people's party platform or the popularity of its candidate for mayor. The result of the election proved that the people did not believe that the non-partisan administration had fulfilled its pledges made at the time of election and carried forward the reforms demanded. It thus came to pass that J. L. Davie was easily elected mayor, though the non-partisans secured a good working majority in the council. The other successful candidates were scattered among the four or five parties which had tickets in the field. For Mayor Davie (P.P.), received 4,543 votes; Nelson (M. L., D. and R.), 3,861 ; McCargar (Pro.), 93. No doubt the attitude of Mr. Davie against the Water Front Company and in favor of cheap trans-bay transportation had much to do with his popularity and his triumph at this time. Although after a while the Davie ferry service was forced to withdraw, the benefits of reduced fares which it established still remained and were appreciated and not forgotten.

        The fight over the tax levy in September, 1895, was bitter and protracted. Mayor Davie who had been elected to office largely by the low tax people, declared he would veto any levy above $1. Although it was shown that the funds of many departments would have to be seriously cut, the mayor stood firm and in the end the $1 ordinance was passed. During the inflammatory meetings of the council the lie was passed more than once. Many called the council the "Bear Garden." The facts were that the faction which demanded a generous taxation for the schools, library, and street and park improvements were out­voted and outmaneuvered by the low-tax and no-improvement masses who still stood with their feet on the neck of progress and betterment. Akin to this low tax policy was the act of the masses in voting against the refunding of the $140,000 in city bonds about to become due.

        In January, 1896, the populists became so disappointed with the course of Mr. Davie that they concluded he had fallen from grace and accordingly expunged his name from their rolls. The campaign of 1896 was characterized by great confusion over the kinds of money and the rights of labor and as a consequence there was a general demand for a campaign of education in order that voters might be enlightened on the obscure and perplexing problems. Partisanship in this county was cut to pieces by the side issues of gold, silver, socialism, populism, woman suffrage, rights of labor, etc. The politicians were in their elements—could advocate anything and at every meeting had listeners and sympathizers. A demand arose from the interior of the county for the selection of G. W. Langan as candidate for superior judge on the republican ticket. He was supported by the newspapers of Livermore, Haywards, Irvington, Alameda, Pleasanton and Berkeley. The latter demanded a superior judge outside of Oakland.

        The congressional contest was eventful and full of fusions and other surprises and apparent incongruities. The gold democrats had a large following in this county. The nomination of John M. Palmer for president met their approval and they prepared to put up a ticket and make a fight for place and power. Much complaint was made that although public improvement had been discussed for many years and had been pledged time and again by the various successful city tickets, nothing of consequence had been yet done—a great deal of money had been spent, but in such a meager and stinted fashion that the results were scarcely visible. Many wanted a large sum raised through bonding measures to make a notable advance in a vast and creditable system of improvements that would beautify the city and attract permanent residents. Many declared that the era of public improvement had arrived and that effective action on a large scale was the duty of the people to future generations. But the great mass of the people were still blind to the golden and glorious possibilities of coming decades—saw only the mercenary present. In fact there arose a decided movement for curtailment and retrenchment. Teachers' salaries were cut and other unwise steps taken. In September, 1896, the state board of equalization raised the assessment of Alameda county 5 per cent; other counties were raised or lowered as seemed required by the board.

        In the campaign of 1896 woman suffrage was brought to the front and made conspicuous. A thorough organization carried on a spirited campaign in this county. Susan B. Anthony and Dr. Anna H. Shaw came from the East to assist the movement. The Legislature had previously been asked to pass a law granting suffrage to woman, but that body finally decided to permit the state to vote on striking the word "male" from the constitution which would effect the asked for change if carried. This was the issue in the campaign—to strike the word "male" from the organic law. The Political Equality Club was very active. It consisted of both men and women and carried on operations through numerous committees: lecture committee—Mrs. Lloyd Baldwin, Mrs. Haight and Mrs. Stocker; press committee—Miss Conners, Mrs. Curtis, Charles H. Shinn and Mrs. Keith; advisory committee—J. D. Dickinson, Green Majors, Clinton S. Dodge, Judge Haight and Colonel Babcock; committee on lecturers—J. D. Dickinson, Green Majors, Dr. Kellogg Lane, Millie Corners, Mrs. S. C. Sanford, A. A. Denison, Charles H. Shinn, Burdette Cornell, Judge Haight, Mrs. Ada Van Pelt, Mrs. Alice M. Stocker and Mrs. Eleanor Carlisle. Subscriptions were called for and were forthcoming in sufficient amounts to make a creditable showing and fight. Miss Shaw, Mrs. Chapman-Catt, Miss Mills and other famous suffrage speakers addressed large audiences at several points in the county. Ten-cent badges were sold to raise money for expenses. The county suffrage headquarters were in Central Bank building in Sandford's humanitarian offices.

        Alameda county was given the honor of opening the republican presidential campaign in this state. The celebration was held on August 8th and consisted of a street parade and a mass meeting under the auspices of the Alliance Club. At the Macdonough theatre addresses were delivered by General Barnes, Judge R. R. Carpentier and S. M. Shortridge. On the same evening the populists held a big meeting in Germania hall and ratified their national ticket. Speeches were made by J. P. Garlick, Green Majors, Susan B. Anthony, J. C. Butler, C. B. White, Taylor Rodgers, Judge Gibson and others. In this county the campaign was characterized by bitter contest for positions on the county board, with numerous candidates for the three places that were to become vacant. Fred S. Stratton was a candidate for the State Senate. The democrats and populists held several mass meetings together with the idea of fusing as a measure to defeat the republicans. They finally fused and declared in their platform that posterity should not be weighted down with obligations that should be liquidated in this day and generation; that county highways should be improved to meet the needs of advancing civilization; that assessments should be suitably equalized; and that the conduct of Congressman S. G. Hilborn in having passed a bill by which the people of Oakland were permitted at their own expense to purchase a lot and build a post-office for the use of the United States should be condemned. This convention and platform bore the marks of fusion and amalgamation. The fusion of the democrats and populists was sufficient warning for the republicans to avoid wrangling and bickering and fight as a solid body for all the local offices. The entire county was fully organized for the contest and the best speakers practicable were secured to educate or influence the voters. Interest centered on the races for Senator, superior judge and county supervisors.

        The silverites held an immense meeting at the Tabernacle on October 31st, on which occasion speeches were delivered by Burdette Cornell, W. W. Foote, W. B. English, E. M. Gibson, M. F. Tarpey and others. The republican county convention assembled September 21st and named a full ticket. During this memorable campaign Colonel Irish gained wide prominence by his advocacy of sound money before the gold democratic convention at Indianapolis and later on the stump in many cities. At a political meeting of the socialists held in Hamilton hall early in October, on the occasion of an address by Walter T. Mills, a 10 cent admission fee was charged and over eight hundred persons paid to hear the spe