The morning call., 1893-06-18
TIE BUNKER HILL PEOPLE.
A Delightful and Patriotic Day at Ell
Campo,

SdDDOs
The memory of Bunker Hill was kept
alive in truly patriotic style yesterday at
the annual picnic of the Bunker Hill As
sociatiOn of California.
El Campo was the scene of the festivi-
ties, which had been made especially bril-
liant this year, in consideration of the fact
that yesterday was the ifteth anniversary
of the completion of the Bunker Hill mon
ument.
Over 800 people were present at the pic
mic. The Ukiah. which carried them
across the bay, was literally adorned with
the star-spangled banner and the picnic
grounds made an equally pretty and patri-
otto show. The party arrived al Ell Campo
about 10:30 O'Clock and until 1 O'Clock the
guests wandered about the grounds and
partook of lunch in gay little groups.
Dancing was also INDUCED in at intervals.
The rendering of highly interesting and
appropriate programme was the event of
the day, however. The entertainment
commenced with an overture Patriotic
Airs" rendered by Blum's orchestra.
This was followed by the Lords preyer.
which W. &. Badger, president of the So
ciety. read. Mr.. Badger afterward made
few opening remarks respecting the So
ciety and its aims.
The 'Star-spangled Banner" which Mrs.
Muhlner sang in excellent style, was
naturally warmly applauded. as was also
poem, Washington" read by Il. Foote
Jr. Then "rhe Sword of Bunker Hill"
was sung by r. Duncan.
A great deal of enthusiasm was worked
mp by William a. Beattv's Grafton, which
was delivered extempore and with great
force ana viyacity..
1T is fitting" said Mr.. Beatty, "that we
as Americans should organize associations
to celebrate and commemorate great days
1n our cOnntry's history. 1t is well for US
and our children that the deeds and acts
of our forefathers should be at all times be-
fore our minds. 1t is well on such a day
TO point with pride to our unexampled
material prosperity, our great population,
our magnificent cities, our great railway
systems and the wonderful resources of
our great country.
But there are other thoughts fitting for
our Bunker Hill days - thoughts that
should engage all patriotic citizens. Is all
well with us and our national life? Is
material prosperity the sole test of the
greatness of nation? Lincoln said,
toward the close OF his life, that he feared
not the struggle he was then engaged in,
that the Union would emerge from it sue
cesstuly, but that he dreaded the days to
come.
"AIready there was upon these United
States the growth and domination of great
orporatlons-s0ulless and graspiDg. He
foresaw life and death struggle between
them and our system of government. and
the time is rapidly approaching. We see
on every hand the growth Of millionaires
and many-time millionaires; we see the in
dividual citizen less and less factor in
the Government. Great corporations and
trusts control our elections, elect our Sen
atorS, dictate our national policy and Sc
cure their entire demands from Legislatures
and Congresses. We are not able to cope
with them. Are they too powerful for our
governmental machinery? The formation
of the Peoples party, the general indus
trial unrest, all show that the people are
awakening TO the fact that something is
wrong and that some remedy must be
found. 1t is well for US all TO think on
these things.
''Then, too, our political life is not what
1t was In the days of Bunker Hill A diff
ferent standard has been set up. A man
honest in private life is apparently not
expected to be so in public place. 1t is
accepted by the generality of men that a
politician need not be quite as honest as
a private citizen. Dishonorable acts are
winked at in politics. We sit supinely by
and allow Tammany Hall to dominate our