Lecture on. “California.”

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 201, 27 September 1888, Page 2

Lecture on. “California.”

In the Congregational Church on Monday evening Pastor A. H. Wallace delivered an interesting lecture on “Californa.” He introduced his subject by tracing the progress of the country from when it was discovered by a Spaniard in 1542 until a recent period, and referring to its extraordinary prosperity at the present time. It was a country of which the inhabitants might be proud—their position was the very key to the Pacific, and when the Panama Canal was opened up San Diego and Los Angelos would compete with San Francisco for the premiership of the State. If the producing power of . a country were a fair criterion of its "prosperity and wealth he was inclined to say California stood in a very high position among the English speaking countries, and he believed the prosperity, was likely to continue. The young men are educated to look upon agriculture as a pursuit of dignity and advantages—“ as it is the oldest and most honored of all arts.” They need, he said, hardly marvel at the rapid growth of a country with such a beautiful climate and grand scenery. There was room there yet for 40 million without the country being orercrowded. The lecturer then spoke of the vast resources and productions of the country giving figures and authorities in support. The Californians were very pushing people—at present there was more lawlessness than in most colonial cities, but he was very hopeful of reform in this direction. The lecturer gave a great amount of information on the relevant subjects, and referred to San Francisco, the capital, which was one of the most hilly cities in the States, but they had an admirable tram system, which was one of the best in the world. Frisco also boasted of having the largest hotel in the world. The Fire Brigade system was a most perfect one. Life in the city was then detailed and all the chief topics of interest were touched on. The lecturer concluded a very interesting discourse by a quotation extolling the magnificient climate and advantages that had been bestowed on Californa by Nature, Space prevents a fuller report, though the lecture is certainly entitled to it. Pastor Wallace has the practical advantage of having carefully ptqdied the leading features and characteristics of the place and people of which he speaks. He is gifted with good powers of expression and treats his subject in a masterly, thoughtful, and entertaining style. Those who have not travelled through or read of Californa would gain a great amount of information by hearing the lecture: those who have seen or read of the country have tjieir mind delightfully refreshed by the treatise upon it by one who has seen and studied it. In moving a vote of thanks to the lecturer Mr J. T, Evans generally commented on points of interest, and paid a high complb meat to the lecturer.