James R. Starkey to Frederick Douglass, December 14, 1853
Letter From J.R. Starkey
San Francisco, Cal. Dec. 14th, 1853
Mr. EDITOR—SIR:—Ever feeling a deep amd lively interest in the welfare of our unfortunate and oppressed race it is very natural that we should seize every opportunity and means, however trivial, within our reach in furtherance of a cause so just and laudable as ours.
Deeply impressed with the desire and over joyful at each advancing step we make in the scale of moral and intellectual improvement, I therefore trust that you will receive a line from the feeble pen of a trans-marine stranger.
The mere mention of a California life, associates itself in the minds of the uninitiated with all that is horrible and immoral.
How far this application may be true with regard to the interior portion of this golden State,
I can very safely say, that it does not apply to the city of San Francisco, whose beautiful and substantial buildings will favorably compare with those of any city in the world; her streets and thoroughfares well graded and improved; and with her Montgomery Street as "Broadway"; and Kearney as "Church", Stockton as the "Fifth Avenue" numerously dotted over with domes and spires, pointing heavenward, she is not far behind (in point of beauty and splendor) to the great Empire City of the Atlantic. Her population being comprised of persons from every nation upon the earth, the greater portion of which, posessing a considerable degree of enterprise, she may well be set down as the great forum for all kinds of business and inventions imaginable. Vice and immoralty in general are very perceptibly disappearing before the congenial inflence of industry and social intercourse. This in a great degree is attributable to the presence of respectable families who are daily arriving not with the intention of making a "pile" and returning, but intending to make this their future home; and before the frown of their disapprobation withers and falls, the gaming saloons and ill-fame retreats, like autumn leaves, among which may be numbered the celebrated "Bell Union" one of the most extensive gaming establishments in the State; her "monte" occupants have given way to the hotel keeper, and instead of the clinking sound of the plates within her walls, may now be heard the more inviting ring of the dinner bell.
The colored people as a whole, seem to be foremost in this morality reform. Literary
[illegible] rising late [illegible] them.
There was a very large meeting held on last Wednesday evening, at the colored
M. E. Church, for the pupose of forming a Temperance Association, at which the pledge was very numerously signed; there were also many elegant addresses made for the name of the downtrodden and oppressed.
On the 1st inst. the Athenaeum Association opened their new Hall, having built a large and commodious two-story building at much expense for their accommodation—The lower portion of the building are let to stores, the upper story is occupied by the Institution as their reception hall and library room. There was about two-hundred persons (by special invitation) present at the opening of the Hall; on which occasion three young ladies presented the Institution with a magnificent banner ten feet high and six feet in width. The ceremony commenced with prayer by the Rev. Mr. Moore, late of Baltimore. The three young ladies presenting the Banner, having been conducted to the left of the President; the Committee of Arrangements on the right; the Members of the Institution forming on either side; and invited guests at the extreme left of the hall and in front of the President. The "German Band" being in attendance, played at the conclusion of the prayer, an appropriate air; Mr. A. G. Dennison, (master of ceremonies) then introduced Mr. J. Francis, who presented the Banner on behalf of the donors, in a very beautiful and eloquent speech, doing simple justice to the fair ones he represented; and as they stood enrobed in white, with beautiful wreaths of roses encircling their heads, they seemed to form within themselves the encyclopedia of California literature and sciences
The design of the Banner is beautiful; in the center of which, is the Temple of Fame; upon the top, a female figure representing Minerva, her right hand extended bearing a scroll with the inscription "Scientia" at the base, a figure representing "Genius" surrounded by philosophical and mechanical instruments; at the top, a chart, globe, and ship's glass; at the right of the Temple are several volumes with inscriptions "Jus," "Historia," "Peita," "Medica," &c., over the outer door of the Temple, the motto of the Institution, "Scientia Lux Mentid." This beautiful banner cost $150, and the fair ones who presented it have won for themselves the never dying esteem of its recipients. On the opposite side of this magnificent gift, are the names of these worthy young ladies, Misses Malene Pallica, Isadorah Joseph and Fanny Joseph.
On the same occasion, Mrs. Joseph presented the Institution with a large and elegant Chandolier and a very handsome Marble Top Centre-Table for the Hall. By her request, Mr. W.H. Newly, came forward and pesented this splendid donation on her behalf in a very able speech, replete with eloquence and beauty of expression, Rev. Mr. Moore, then made some very appropriate remarks, then Music by the Band, after which the company retired to the lower half of the building in which was spread the many good things that San Francisco alone can boast of in the way of eatables and drinkables, provided by Messrs Bell and Steel, two of the ablest caterers in the country; these things having been discussed, the company again returned to the upper Hall, where various other subjects was discussed pertaining to the general welfare of our unfortunate race. After spending a very agreeable evening, the company retired; each one not at all regretting his or her visit to the
" San Francisco Atheneum"
But, sir, while we are progressing "literally," we are not unmindful of those of our fellow brethren, who wear the chains of slavery in the Atlantic States, and whenever an opportuity presents itself good use is made of it. A case occurred here the other day of a Slaveholder returning to the "States" having with him a Slave girl who he had brought to this State some twelve months since; a colored gentleman, Mr. W. H. Harper, of this city learning the unfortunate girl was on board the Steamer rushed on board midst officers, passengers and all and rescued the poor little girl, and she is now "Free." This affair caused very little excitement indeed, and in a few hours every thing was [resumed?]
Mote parotempo
James H. Starkey