Part 37

_Fellow-citizens_--It is very pleasant for me to meet here, as at all the stations I have passed, a kindly assembly of my fellow-countrymen. We do not need any one to watch us, nor do we need to keep watch against anybody else. Peace and good-will characterize our communities. I was quite amused at a station not far from here to hear a wondering Chinaman remark as he came up to the train, "Why, they have no guns on board!" [Laughter.] How different it is with us!--no retinue, no guards. We travel across this broad country safe in the confidence and fellowship and kindness of its citizenship. What other land is there like it? Where else are there homes like ours? Where else institutions so free and yet so adequate to all the needs of government, to make the home and community safe, to restrain the ill-disposed, and everywhere to promote peace and individual happiness?

We congratulate each other that we are American citizens. Without distinction of party, without taking note of the many existing differences of opinion, we are all glad to do all in our power to promote the dignity and prosperity of the country we love. We cannot love it too much; we cannot be too careful that all our influence is on the side of good government and of American interests. We do not wish ill to any other nation or people in the world, but they must excuse us if we regard our own fellow-citizens as having the highest claim on our regard. We will promote such measures as look to our own interests. [Cheers.]

LATHROP, CALIFORNIA, APRIL 25.

The President's arrival at Lathrop was celebrated by several thousand residents, re-enforced by large delegations from the neighboring city of Stockton. The Committee of Reception consisted of James J. Sloan, A. Henry Stevens, Z. T. White, O. H. P. Bailey, E. Jesurun, T. B. Walker, W. S. Reyner, D. Sanguinite, Geo. H. Seay, O. D. Wilson, C. F. Sherburne, F. D. Simpson, and F. J. Walker. The Committee of Reception appointed by the Mayor of Stockton, and participating in behalf of that city, was J. K. Doak, F. J. Ryan, I. S. Haines, Willis Lynch, H. R. McNoble, J. M. Dormer, and F. T. Baldwin. A feature of the reception was 100 school children, each carrying a bouquet, which they presented to the President and Mrs. Harrison, both of whom kissed several of the little donors. Postmaster Sloan delivered the welcoming address. The President, responding, said:

_My Fellow-citizens_--I should be less than human if I were not touched by the rapid succession of hearty greetings received by us in our journey through California. I should be more than human if I were able to say something new or interesting at each of these assemblies.

My heart has but one language: it is, "I thank you."

Most tenderly do I feel as an individual so much of this kindness as is personal to me, and as a public official I am most profoundly grateful that the American people so unitedly show their love and devotion to the Constitution and the flag.

We have a Government of the majority; it is the original compact that when the majority has been fairly counted at the polls, the expressed will of that majority, taking the form of public law enacted by State Legislatures or the national Congress, shall be the sole rule of conduct of every loyal man. [Cheers.]

We have no other king than law, and he is entitled to the allegiance of every heart and bowed knee of every citizen. [Cries of "Good! good!" and cheers.]

I cannot look forward with any human apprehension to any danger to our country, unless it approaches us through a corrupt ballot-box. [Applause.] Let us keep that spring pure, and these happy valleys shall teem with an increasing population of happy citizens, and our country shall find in an increasing population only increased unity and strength. [Cheers.]

SAN FRANCISCO, APRIL 25.

At Keyes Station, near Merced, the presidential train was joined by a special car containing the San Francisco escort committee. The following gentlemen composed the party and represented the organizations named: Mexican Veterans--Maj. R. P. Hammond. California Pioneers--L. L. Baker, W. B. Farwell, Nathaniel Holland, and Col. A. W. von Schmidt. Citizens' Committee--E. S. Pillsbury, J. B. Crockett, M. M. Estee, Irving M. Scott, W. D. English, and Rev. Dr. Samuel V. Leech. Loyal Legion and Grand Army of the Republic--Chief Engineer J. W. Moore, U. S. N., Commander Loyal Legion; Past Senior Vice-Commander-in-Chief S. W. Backus; Past Department Commanders W. H. Aiken, E. Carlson, C. Mason Kinne, W. A. Robinson, R. H. Marfield, W. R. Smedburg, E. S. Salomon, T. H. Goodman, G. E. Gard, and A. J. Buckles; Past Junior Vice-Commander Jesse B. Fuller, Adjt.-Gen. T. C. Mastellar, Past Commander J. M. Litchfield, Congressmen E. F. Loud and John T. Cutting, comrades J. P. Meehan, S. S. Flint, and A. J. Hawes.

Seven o'clock Saturday evening the boom of cannon and clang of bells signalized the President's arrival at Oakland, where he immediately embarked on the ferry steamer _Piedmont_ for passage across the bay. On board the _Piedmont_, in addition to the veteran guard of the G. A. R., commanded by Capt. Geo. F. Knowlton, Jr., and Lieutenants Wiegand, Franks and Stateler, were the following prominent residents: Senator and Mrs. Leland Stanford, A. N. Towne, R. H. Platt, A. J. Bolfing, H. C. Bunker, C. F. Bassett, Maj. J. N. E. Wilson, Capt. G. D. Boyd, J. C. Quinn, Geo. L. Seybolt, George Sanderson, J. Steppacher, Ass't Postmaster Richardson, G. W. Fletcher, Mrs. Peter Donohue, Mrs. Geo. R. Sanderson, Mrs. James Denman, Mrs. W. W. Morrow, Mrs. Joseph McKenna, Mrs. M. Ehrman, Mrs. E. Martin, and Mrs. J. D. Spreckels. The scene of the _Piedmont_ crossing the bay, illuminated with thousands of lights, covered with flying flags, and greeted by all the craft in the harbor with myriads of rockets and lights, was a bewildering spectacle. At a signal great tongues of flame shot up from the summits of Telegraph and Nob hills, and the monstrous bonfires from the deck of the _Piedmont_ resembled volcanoes. The entire population of the city came out to do honor to the head of the Nation, and the principal streets were beautifully illuminated.

As the President descended on the arm of Hon. W. W. Morrow he was met on the wharf by Mayor George H. Sanderson, Col. Basil Norris, Lieut.-Col. Geo. H. Burton, Lieut.-Col. John P. Hawkins, Maj. Frank M. Coxe, Maj. Edward Hunter, Maj. James H. Lord, Capt. Chas. N. Booth, and First Lieutenants L. A. Lovering and James E. Runcie, of the regular army; General Dickinson and staff and city officials. Mayor Sanderson formally welcomed the President and presented him a beautiful gold tablet bearing a resolution of the Board of Supervisors tendering the freedom of the city and county of San Francisco.

In response the President said:

_Mr. Mayor_--I have received with great gratification these words of welcome which you have extended to me on behalf of the city of San Francisco. They are but new expressions of the welcome which has been extended to me since I entered the State of California. Its greatness and glory I knew something of by story and tradition, but what I have seen of its resources has quite surpassed my imagination. But what has deeply impressed me is the loyal and intelligent and warm-hearted people I have everywhere met. I thank you for this reception.

SAN FRANCISCO, APRIL 27.

Monday, April 27, the President and his party reviewed many thousand school children assembled on Van Ness Avenue. Escorted by Mayor Sanderson, General Ruger, and other distinguished citizens, the party were driven through the famous Golden Gate Park. At the entrance the President was met and welcomed by Park Commissioner Hammond, while awaiting the guests inside was a reception committee consisting of E. S. Pilsbury, W. D. English, General Sheehan, Chief Crowley, C. F. Crocker, Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Wilshire, Judge Hawley, of Nevada, ex-Mayor Pond, Colonel Taylor, Marshal Long, Park Commissioner Austin, Mr. and Mrs. Francis G. Newlands, Samuel Shortridge, C. M. Leavy, Surveyor-General Pratt, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Le Count, Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Danforth, Colonel and Mrs. J. B. Wright, of Sacramento, Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Easton, Mr. Gregory, Mr. and Mrs. Paris Kilbourn, Mr. and Mrs. Timothy G. Phelps, Senator Carpenter, of Los Angeles, Miss Harriet Bolinger, Mr. and Mrs. Bolinger, District Attorney Garter, Mrs. Judge W. T. Wallace, F. W. Sharon, T. B. Shannon, Mrs. B. L. Haseltine, and others.

The reception concluded, the drive was continued to the Cliff House, overlooking Seal Rocks; from thence the party visited Sutro Heights and became the guests of Mr. Adolph Sutro. At the close of luncheon Mr. Sutro, addressing President Harrison, said in part:

_Mr. President_--I rise to present you a photo-lithographic letter written by Sebastian Viscano, the great Spanish navigator. This is probably the first letter in existence written by any human being from California. It is dated at the port of Monterey, December 28, 1602, named in honor of the Conde de Monterey, then Viceroy of Mexico. It is addressed to the Court of Spain, and states that he (Viscano) had taken possession of this country for his majesty.

The original of this letter I found in hunting through the Archives de las Indias at Seville, Spain. At the date of this letter Queen Elizabeth was still on the throne of England, Louis XIV. of France was not born yet, and the Pilgrim Fathers had not yet landed on Plymouth Rock.

Mr. President, we all thank you for having come to see our beautiful land, and permit me especially to thank you for the honor of your visit to Sutro Heights.

With the closing words Mr. Sutro extended to the President a red plush album inclosing the letter. President Harrison, in accepting it, said:

I beg to thank you both for this letter and your generous welcome to a spot the natural beauty of which has been so much enhanced by your efforts. My visit to Sutro Heights, the cliff, and park will be a red-letter day in my journey.

The next visit was to the Presidio, where the President and General Ruger witnessed the brilliant manoeuvres of the troops. Lieutenant-Colonel Graham was in command; Captain Zalinski was the officer of the day. Captain Morris led the heavy artillery; Captains Brinkle and Kinzie commanded the mounted batteries; Colonel Mills headed the cavalry aided by Captains Wood and Dorst.

_Phi Delta Theta._

In the evening the President attended a banquet in his honor by California Alpha Chapter of the State University of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, of which Mr. Harrison is a member. George E. de Golbia presided. When the President arrived he was greeted with the fraternity cheer. J. N. E. Wilson introduced the honored guest and proposed the health of "the President."

General Harrison, responding, said:

_My Friends and Brothers in this Old Society_--I enjoy this moment very much in being able to associate with you. I was a member of the first chapter of this fraternity, which you all know was founded at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. I have not lost the impression of solemnity and reverence which I experienced hunting in the dark in those early times to find my chapter room, and I am very glad to know that those meetings were not meetings in the dark. I belonged to the order when it was young, and now I find its members scattered in all States, where they all hold positions of trust and influence. I find that in its history it has produced nothing discreditable to itself, but always something of which we may all well be proud. I thank you for these few moments of association with you. [Cheers.]

At night President and Mrs. Harrison, Secretary Rusk, and Postmaster-General Wanamaker attended an official card reception at the Palace Hotel, tendered by the citizens of San Francisco. The visitors were introduced by Col. J. P. Jackson and George R. Sanderson. The occasion was one of unusual brilliancy, rendered especially so by the presence of Admiral A. E. K. Benham and the officers of the fleet, Gen. Thomas H. Ruger, Gen. G. D. Green, Gen. John P. Hawkins, Gen. John G. Chandler, Col. Geo. N. Burton, and a hundred or more other officers of the regular army; Governor Markham and staff in full uniform, Maj. Gen. W. H. Dimond and staff, Gen. J. H. Dickinson, and scores of officers of the National Guard, and a thousand or more private citizens of prominence accompanied by their wives.

SAN FRANCISCO, APRIL 28.

_Launch of the Monterey._

Tuesday, April 28, the President enjoyed an excursion on the bay on board the steamer _Puebla_. Following the _Puebla_ came the cruiser _Charleston_, literally covered with bunting, and with booming guns, leading a long line of vessels. The presidential party was accompanied by Mayor Sanderson, Colonel Andrews, Supervisor Jackson, Colonel Marceau, Colonel Chadbourne, General Gibbon, Collector Phelps, Capt. C. M. Goodall, General Cutting, W. T. Coleman, Wm. Dargie, W. G. Harrison, W. D. English, Stewart Menzies, Judge Murphy, Judge Troutt, Barry Baldwin, A. E. Castle, A. Chesebrough, Martin Corcoran, W. D. Clarke, W. R. Hearst, J. G. Fair, W. J. Dutton, W. F. Goad, Wm. Harney, John P. Irish, J. D. Spreckels, Leon Sloss, Levi Strauss, A. W. Scott, W. S. Tevis, C. L. Taylor, J. H. Wise, C. E. Whitney, R. J. Wilson, James. D. Phelan, R. H. Pease, Arthur Rodgers, F. W. Sumner, F. J. Symmes, N. T. James, G. L. Bradner, C. F. Mullins, Geo. A. Moore, T. C. Grant, and other gentlemen of prominence.

In the afternoon, at the Union Iron Works, the President and Mrs. Harrison participated in the launch of the armored coast-defence vessel _Monterey_. Mrs. Harrison pressed the button which signalized the launching of the great ship, and Miss Gunn, daughter of J. O'B. Gunn, christened the ship with a bottle of California champagne. On the platform with the President's party were Henry T. Scott and Irving M. Scott, builders of the _Monterey_; master shipwright Geo. W. Dickie, Governor Markham, and other prominent people.

In the evening the distinguished visitors attended a banquet and reception at the mansion of Senator and Mrs. Leland Stanford. Nineteen couples sat down at the sumptuous table. They comprised the President and Mrs. Stanford, Senator Stanford and Mrs. Harrison, Governor Markham and Mrs. Lowe, General Wanamaker and Mrs. Benham, Secretary Rusk and Mrs. Markham, General Ruger and Mrs. Russell Harrison, Admiral Benham and Mrs. Morrow, Col. Lloyd Tevis and Mrs. Dimmick, Mayor Sanderson and Mrs. Boyd, Hon. M. M. Estee and Mrs. Moses Hopkins, Col. C. F. Crocker and Miss Houghton, Senator Felton and Mrs. McKee, Mr. Russell B. Harrison and Mrs. T. Hopkins, Col. J. P. Jackson and Mrs. Dodge, Mr. Geo. W. Boyd and Mrs. Hewes, Hon. W. W. Morrow and Mrs. Estee, Mr. Irving M. Scott and Mrs. Jackson, Major Sanger and Mrs. Gwin, Mr. H. L. Dodge and Mrs. Easton. In the Pompeiian parlor of the mansion the President, with Mrs. Harrison and Senator and Mrs. Stanford, received the thousand or more guests, who comprised the prominent society people of San Francisco and many other cities on the coast.

REDWOOD CITY, CALIFORNIA, APRIL 29.

Leaving San Francisco on Wednesday, April 29, the President spent the morning at Senator Stanford's famous Palo Alto ranch. The first stop _en route_ to Monterey was at Redwood City, where a large and enthusiastic crowd, including 200 school children, welcomed the President. Geo. S. Evans Post, G. A. R., C. D. Harkins, Commander, was present. Among the prominent citizens participating were: H. R. Judah, of San Mateo; Geo. C. Ross, W. R. Welch, Geo. W. Lovie, John Poole, Henry Buger, Sheriff Kinne, Marshal Jamieson, and Judge Geo. H. Buck, who delivered the speech of welcome and presented the President, on behalf of the citizens, with a polished redwood tablet two feet in width.

As the train moved off President Harrison said:

_My Friends_--I am sorry that I can say nothing more to you in the limited time we have than that I am sincerely thankful for your friendly demonstration.

SAN JOSÉ, CALIFORNIA, APRIL 29.

Arriving at San José the President remained an hour and reviewed a parade in his honor. He was received at the depot by Mayor S. N. Rucker at the head of the following Committee of Reception: Judge John Reynolds, Judge F. E. Spencer, D. B. Moody, R. O. Shively, S. F. Lieb, V. A. Schellar, C. M. Shortridge, T. E. Beans, L. G. Nesmith, C. T. Ryland, O. A. Hale, H. W. Wright, J. W. Rea, C. T. Park, A. McDonald, C. T. Settle, H. M. Leonard, B. D. Murphy, J. H. Henry, A. E. Mintie, S. F. Ayer, Judge W. G. Lorigan, and H. V. Morehouse. Mayor Rucker delivered the address of welcome at the court house.

President Harrison, responding, said.

_Mr. Mayor and Fellow-citizens_--I am again surprised by this large outpouring of my friends and by the respectful interest which they evince. I cannot find words to express the delight which I have felt and which those who journey with me have felt as we have observed the beauty and, more than all, the comfort and prosperity which characterize the great State of California. I am glad to observe here, as I have elsewhere, that my old comrades of the great war for the Union have turned out to witness afresh by this demonstration their love for the flag and their veneration for American institutions.

My comrades, I greet you, every one, affectionately. I doubt not that every loyal State has representatives here of that great army that subdued the rebellion and brought home the flag in triumph. I hope that you have found in this flowery and prosperous land, in the happy homes which you have builded up here, in the wives and children that grace your firesides, a sweet contrast to those times of peril and hardship which you experienced in the army, and I trust above all that under these genial and kindly influences you still maintain your devotion to our institutions and are teaching it to the children that shall take your places.

We often speak of the children following in the footsteps of their fathers. A year ago nearly, in Boston, at the great review of the Grand Army of the Republic, after those thousands of veterans, stricken with years and labor, had passed along, a great army, nearly as large, came on with the swinging step that characterized you when you carried the flag from your home to the field. They were the sons of veterans, literally marching in their fathers' steps; and so I love to think that in the hands of this generation that is coming on to take our places our institutions are safe and the honor and glory of the flag will be maintained. We may quietly go to our rest when God shall call us, in the full assurance that His favoring providence will follow us, and that in your children valor and sacrifice for the flag will always manifest themselves on every occasion.

Again thanking you for your presence and friendly interest, I must beg you to excuse further speech, as we must journey on to other scenes like this. Good-by and God bless you, comrades.

GILROY, CALIFORNIA, APRIL 29.

Two thousand people welcomed the President on his arrival at Gilroy at 6 o'clock in the evening. The floral decorations were particularly fine; the piece attracting the greatest attention was a life-size white bear made of tea-roses. The Committee of Reception was Mayor Loupe, Thomas Rea, Geo. E. Hersey, Victor Bassignsno, F. W. Blake, Professor Hall, and Messrs. Eckhart, Casey, and Cleveland.

Mayor Loupe introduced the President, who made one of his briefest speeches. He said:

_My Friends_--It gives me great pleasure to see you for a moment, and thank you for your kindness in coming out on this occasion. In all my travels I have never seen a more intelligent and happy people than I have met in California. Let me introduce you to Mr. Wanamaker.

WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA, APRIL 29.

At Pajaro Station the presidential party was welcomed by the Board of Trustees and 2,000 residents of the thriving city of Watsonville, in the beautiful Pajaro Valley. Six hundred school children and a young ladies' zouave company participated in the greeting. The Committee of Reception comprised the Board of Trustees, E. H. Madden, T. J. Horgan, James A. Linscott, H. P. Brassell, and the following prominent citizens of Watsonville: W. A. Sanborn, A. B. Hawkins, Geo. A. Shearer, Geo. W. Peckham, W. R. Radcliff, J. A. Hetherington, James Waters, Mark Hudson, Geo. A. Trafton, John T. Porter, John F. Kane, and F. E. Mauk; also, Wm. Wilson and C. E. Bowman, representing the town of Corralitos, and C. R. Whitcher, Jr., representing Castroville. Chairman Madden made the welcoming address.

The President said:

_My Friends_--I am very glad to see you this evening. I am sorry that the fatigues of the past few days have left us all in a state not quite so fresh and blooming as your fields and gardens. We are a little dusty and a little worn, but you quite rekindle our spirits by this demonstration. We have ridden with great delight through this beautiful valley to-day. It seems to me, as we pass each ridge or backbone and come into a new valley, that we see something that still more resembles the Garden of Eden. It is a constant succession of surprises, but most of all I delight to see such convincing evidence of the contentment and happiness of your people. I am sure that those I see here to-day must come from happy and prosperous homes. I wish you all good-by. [Cheers.]

MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA, APRIL 30.

The presidential party arrived at Del Monte depot at 8 o'clock Wednesday evening and were the guests of Manager Schonewald, of the famous Hotel Del Monte. The next morning the distinguished travellers were driven over to Monterey, the historic old capital of California; they were met at the outskirts by the City Trustees and a committee of prominent citizens, among whom were: C. I. Burks, Capt. Thomas Bralee, Francis Doud, David Rodrick, F. R. Day, Edward Ingram, Job Wood, Thomas Doud, J. T. Stockdale, Jacob R. Leese, Wm. Kay, A. A. Osio, and H. Whitcomb. The reception was held on the grounds fronting the old Capitol--now used as a school-house. After the reception the visitors were taken on an 18-mile drive through the parks and groves along the Pacific Ocean. Mayor W. J. Hill, of Salinas, delivered the address of welcome on behalf of the citizens of Monterey and Salinas, and presented the President with a silver plate engraved with a fac-simile of the old Custom House and the words "The Custom House where the American flag was first raised in California, July 7, 1846. Monterey, April 30, 1891. Greeting to our President."

In response the President said: