The record-union., 1894-04-04
SURPRISE TO A POPULAR OFFICIAL.
Reception and Presentation to M. R.
Higgins.
Friends OF the Governors Retiring
Private Secretary Testify Their
Esteem for Him.

An informal reception was given to
Colonel NJ. r. Higgins, Private Secretary
to Governor Markham, yesterday at the
Governors Office. 1t was in the nature
of surprise, on his retirement from that
position to take that of Commissioner
of Insurance, and was well planned and
carried out by his friends.
At o'clock Mr.. Higgins was sent for
son business" and came down to the
Office. He found there assembled num-
Der of his friends, who had met to bid
him farewell, as well as a number OF
ladies, friends of Mrs. Higgins and HIM
self.
After few minutes spent in greetings,
Governor Markham commenced few
well-chosen remarks, in which he spoke
of the trials and vicissitudes of his life and
the way in which each apparent disaster
had been turned into a blessing. The
present occasion was one in which he
hoped his apparent loss will be turned
into blessing, both to himself and Mr..
Higgins. 1t sounded more like retro
spection and an expression of sorrow at
parting than a presentation speech, and
was so cleverly devised that not until he
turned to Mr.. Higgins with a small pack
age in his hands did any one realize the
purport of it, He had kept his own coun-
sci so closely that not a soul but himself
knew of it. With an expression OF friend
ship and confidence, he presented to Mr..
Higgins a solid silver card, bearing In
the right-hand upper corner the seal of
the State and in the left-hand lower cor
ner fine engraving OF the Capitol.
Engraved upon it were the words:
''Hon. NJ. r. Higgins, Sacramento, 1894.
EYnraGSiUa Of firm fri1nCShln for Won.
also, of appreciation of your ability and
faithfuIness. II. II. Markham, Governor
of California"
Mr.. Higgins, who was taken genu-
inely by surprise at this part of the pro-
gramme, responded feelingly and felicit-
ously.
Adiutant- General Allen then stepped
forward and in witty speech, the hits in
which provoked much laughter, pre-
sented Mr.. Higgins with an elegant
watch chain, with handsome diamond
set in locket and also pair of diamond
link sleeve buttons.
These, he said, he presented on behalf
of the officials and employees of the State
offices, who had sustained such pleasant
relations with Mr.. Higgins during the
past three years.
Mr.. Higgins responded happily, sur
prising most of those present, who were
not aware that he is finished speaker,
as much as he dislikes it.
Refreshments were then served and a
most soclable time ensued.
There were present Governor Mark
ham, Secretary of State Waite, State
Treasurer Mcdonald and those connected
with their Offices, as well as those of the
Controller and Surveyor General, State
Printer Johnston, Eugene Hadley,
Warden Aull, E. F. Smith, Adjutant-
General Allen, Colonel Murray and
Charles Duhain of his Office. George E.
Pratt, c. E. Coglan. w. H. Govan, Jud
Brusie, w. II. V. Raymond, j. A. Wood
son, John Funston, Dana Perkins, Jr.,
and Messrs. Jackson, Angler, Loop,
Roper, Marlin, Swan and others.
The ladies present were Mesdames
Higgins, Hadley, Eby, Allen, Colgan,
Waite, Johnston, McCreary, Sparrow
Smith, Mott, Orcutt. Van Voorhies,
Bentley, Simmons, Dwight Miller, Stef-
fens, Howard, Burr, Mcintyre, Hammer
and Angler; Misses BERTHE Waite, Ricord,
Genevieve Green and Thompson; Mrs.
Colonel Ayers of Los Angeles and Mrs.
Isham of Detroit, Mich.
After the reception was over the ladies
returned to the residence of Mrs. George
Z. Pratt, where a reception to Mrs. Hig-
gins was given.