The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-10-09
Gen. Grant Among the Children.

public school children at Woodward Gar
dens, San Francisco, was the most enthusiast
tic ovation he has yet received. Before IL
o'clock not less than 10000 children swarm
ed the gardens, while the street cars were
TANNED, and thousands made their way to
the rendezvous on foot. At 11.3O the Cen
erals arrival was heralced by the discharge
of cannon and the vociferous cheers OF the
Lincoln school boys, who were drawn up at
the entrance as guard OF honor. lie was
escorted by the board OF education, and
| walked between the file OF children to the
pavilion, where stage had been arranged
for the reception of the party. Ten thous-
and boys and girls were crowded in the
| building, and as TIE General made his APP
| pearance the cheers. stamping, whistling,
&C., were deafening. while from every part
OF the building boquets were raiRed upon
the stage and its occupants. After few
minutes the enthusiastic youngsters were
reduced to comparative .quietness. Mr..
Heiste, as president of the board Of educa-
ton. addressed the General as follows:
"Your loyalty to the public school system
OF the United States has impelled the school
children OF San Francisco to extend this
special greeting. The children. their pa
rents, and the board of education recognize
in you the true and fearless friend Of popu-
lar education, and are proud to look you in
the face and take you by the hand. Allow
me to present you to the children and teach
ears connected with the public schools Of
San Francisco. These happy faces Will tell
their own story"
| Another uproarious outburst OF applause
followed, after which Gen. Grant addressed
his audience to the following effect:
sit is gratifying sight to witness this
evidence OF educational privileges afforded
by this young city. The crowds gathered
inside and outside this building indicate that
every child of an age fit for school is pro-
vided for. When education is so generally
diffused we may feel assured of the perma-
nency and perpetuity of our institutions. The
greatest danger to our people grows out OF
ignor; nee, and this evidence of universally
of education is the best guaranty OF your
loyalty to American principles"
At the conclusion OF his remarks Gen.
Grant and the board OF education made their
way out Of the building, and following the
winding avenues OF the gardens, proceeded
to the great amphitheatre on the side OF the
grounds, where some 10000 boys and girls
we're massed. Along the line OF march and
in the building the party received shower
| of bouuets. The General took Il seat at the
platform, land the throng then marched by to
enable each person to obtain a good look at
him. AS the throng su.ged by hundreds OF
hands were thrust out for passing shake,
and the demand -ior autographs was alto
gether beyond the Generals ability to sup
ply. The shower Of flowers was kept up,
despite the efforts OF the teachers and men,
bers of the board TO stay it, and the party
was almost over whelmed with these tributes
At least 10000 children were present, and
although the teachers were able to maintain
reasonably good order, it was impossible &c
restrain the holiday spirits of the mass with
in the bounds of decorum. At l clock the
young legions were still marching past in
review, with drums: banners, notices and
flags. while the General maintained his posi-
ton, and faced constant fire Of boquets
with his accustomed tenacity and pluck.