The record-union., 1891-05-06
SOME PLAIN WORDS TO SAN FRAN
CISCO.

There is a spirit in San Francisco man
ifest from time to time in the action of
those who assume to be leaders, and
without protest from the people, that is
not only contemptuous of the interior
Of the State, but practically antagonistic
to it. 1t creates among interior commun-
tiles profound regret, and at times excites
disposition to resent. The truth is that
San Francisco exhibits: towards all the
State outside of the narrow bounds Of
that city, petty jealousy that would be
disgraceful even in a grumpish school
boy. This we say without jealousy of
spirit, or the slightest disposition to
scold. But we cannot be deaf to the
widespread and justifiable complaint of
the people of the interior, which is fast
ripening into Indignation, because of the
spirit dominant in San Francisco in dis
regard of State interests not originating
in the metropolis.
This neglectful, absorbent spirit has
been made manifest in a multitude of
ways in past years; in studied attempts
to strip interior places of commercial ad-
vantages; in manifestations of an absorb
ent disposition that is characteristic of
abnormal selfishness; in Ishort-sighted
efforts to defeat local interior enterprises
in purposely conflicting with fair dates,
and festival occasions; in antagonizing
interior legislation; in miserable jealousy
ofinterior prosperity; in a Uplifting of
the metropolitan nose at outside cities
and towns of the State-and so on down a
long line Of boorish and impolite conduct
that has appeared to augment with the
advancement of San Francisco.
A metropolis whose people are worthy
of the distinction of metropolitans, ought
to find, if not it's own interest, at least
good manners in recognition of the rights
of suburban populations, and the COM
munities from which the metropolis
draws its vitality. 1t ought, with growth,
to outgrow the day of small things, to
rise superior to the exiguity character
istic of some crossroads settlement, but
not even tolerable in the least of the vii
lagos of civilized peoples. The manifesto
tions of microeosmic soul in San Fran
cisco are cribbed and coffined in the un-
important being Of few self-sufficient
people, and the great class of sensible
citizens appear to be content that these
shall pose for them, and commit the
metropolis to all manner of littleness. If
the chief city of the State is to continue in
such leading strings for the future, and
be kept in an attitude Of antagonism to
the interior of the State, the towns and
cities of California ought to know it, and
act with the dignified reserve that is justi-
fable retaliation.
It's painful to feel even the sense of
duty that impels us to these utterances.
If'the REcoRD-UNIoN did not, however,
enter its protest against the spirit of San
Francisco towards the interior, it would
deserve to rank with the trucking press
of that city, which had not the courage to
tell its people that in the reception of the
President, San Francisco was playing the
part of mean selfishness and disgusting
hoggishness.
The President OF the United States came
TO California to see all the State, to meet its
people generally, to be able to Judge by
personal observation of the character of
our population, our products, the soil,
the topography of the country, and the
varied conditions of its climate. But
from the very outset he fell into the hands
Of San Francisco management, which
mapped out every hour of his time, noti-
fed him that his moments had been pre-
empted, and that he must cut the cloth of
his tour accordingly. He was practically
helpless, and he is not blameworthy for
what followed. AS a matter of fact he
was not permitted to visit any other
locality than San Francisco. Had he not
been pledged to the Mayor of Sacramento
months before San Francisco had ex-
tended him an invitation, he would not
have been permitted to go as far
into the interior as the Capital City for
even two hours. He was well and most
appropriately received at the State bor-
der by the Governor and few gentle
men accompanying him, who escorted
him TO Southern California. He visited
Los Angeles at some leisure, and so far
as that city is concerned, it may be con-
sidered an exception. Probably it was
an objective point, and that the San Fran
cisco committee not having then seized
upon the guest was unable to cut it out.
Judging from what it did do subse-
quently, the probability is that the dis
position was not wanting. The trip to
San Diego was something in the same
line; that place was visited briefly, and
before the self-constituted managers al
San Francisco could interfere to pre-
vent il.
But as TO all other places, let it be noted
the President visited on his road to San
Francisco from Southern California only
the towns which he had Of necessity to
pass, and had only such momentary
ghmpses Of the people and surrounding
as could be gained from car platform
To the credit Of the citizens of these inte.
rior points be it said, they manifested
none of the disappointment they felt, but
gave the President such courteous moi