The morning call., 1891-04-26

light full upon the Piedmont Myriads of
brilliantly colored lanterns, suspended from
yards of the vessels laying at the docks and
in the stream, cleaned through the dark
ness, while above them, tier on tier, rose
the lights of the city. Thousands of rockets
and roman candles added splendor to the
scene, and from the summit of Telegraph
Hill the huge bonfres and blazing red-fre
shone out in brilliant relief
The President when the display began,
had resumed his position by the guard-rail
and watched the gorgeous spectacle appar-
emily unmOved by any emotion, either OF
pride or pleasure. As the boat passed
abreast of the Charleston, however, he
turned to examine her as we'll as he could in
the darkness. and as her search-light flashed
it with curious eyes. He vouchsafed no re-
mark, but it was plain to be seen that he
was interested For several minutes his
eyes rested upon the new cruiser, and then
he glanced once more toward the city.
SPEAKS AT LAST.
As he saw the ships outlined by their lam
terms suspended from stays and yards, he
said briefly to gentleman who was stand
ing at his side; THAT is one of the most
beautiful spectacles l ever saw. Do you
know somehow those vessels remind me of
phantom shps?"
He then related in quiet tone and with
out the least display OF animation how he
Atlantic Coast, but on smaller scale and
far less imposing. Then he relapsed into
silence again, and not util he arrived at the
ferry did he utter another word.
The ladies Of the party. however. we're
decidedly animated, and as they stood in a
group a few feet away they gave vent to
constant expressions of admiration and de-
light. Mrs. Harrison in particular, who
chatted quite freely with those about her,
was fairly enthusiastic and formed strik-
ing contrast to her famous husband. Every
new display of fireworks ELECTED some fresh
exclamation of surprise.
When the boat plowed into the slip at the
foot of Market street the President descend
ed the stairway on the arm of ex-Congress-
man Morrow and advanced 10 the bow, fol-
lowed by The party in the order in which
they had come aboard. On the dock, await
ing their landing to welcome to the great
city of San Francisco, stood Mayor Sander
son, accompanied by Superintendent OF
Streets James Gilleran and Supervisors Ell
lert and Burling.
WELCOMED.
As the boat was made fast the Mayor
stepped across the apron onto the deck and
extended his hand to the President, who for
the first time removed his hat and stood un-
covered while the former delivered brief
address OF welcome. He spoke of the great
pleasure afforded the people of this city to
we eIcome their visitors, and assured him
that the demonstrations which he would be-
hold were but feeble outward manifesto
tions OF the loyalty and hospitality of the
citizens. He then presented him with the
gift oil the people.
The gift referred to was a solid gold card
5I2X3$4 Inches, Learfng an inscription engraved
In the center as follows:
By resolution Of The
board Of Supervisors,
The Freedom Of the
City and County Of san Frdnctsco
is hereby tcltdeTed 10
BENJA MN HARRISON
President or The United States.
George Il. SandeTSon Mayor.
AprE rs, 1891
Below these words is a cleverly carved repre-
senlailon OF the bay aad the Golden Gate, In
the center OF which tile sun is setting, ana also
showing Fort Point on one side aud Point
Bonita and North Heads ON the other.
In the lett hand corner IS the CalifOr ia bear,
standing un der a redwood tree aud on tie UIher
side IS the official crest OF the city, with tue
in peace, iron in war. The card is chasIe in
design, rich aud elegant in It's general ap-
peardnce.
1t reposed in handsome blue plush case,
and without giancing at it the President
thrust II into one of the. .capacious and ever
ready pockets Of his overeOat.
THE PRESIDENTS RESPONSE.
As the Mayor closed his remarks the
President again took him by the hand, and
replied to the welcome as follows:
Mr.. Mayor, l have received with great graft.
hcatiOn these words Of welcome which you nave
extended 10 me behalf of tile city OF San
Francisco They are but new expressions of
welcome which has been rendered 10 me since
entered the Stale OF California. Its greatness
and glory knew something of by story ira
dillon, but what | have seen of its resources
has quite surpassed my imagination; but what
have been impressed by most is the loyal ana IN
teilig ct and waInhearied people / have
everywhere met. l thank you for This Tecep-
ton.
He spoke in a low, but emphatic tone, and
for the first time his face lighted up with
pleasure. Then as he closed he took the
MAYORS protfered arm, and passed to the
carriage which stood III waiting at the en-
trance to the slip.