The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-05

ing 100 mucH- lie was pIeaSeQ 10 see the
business men of Oakland meeting in har-
mony together. 1t was upon them
that the future of Oakland depended,
and it was time that they recognized
their mutual interests. 1t was in the spirit
of harmony and the interest of municipal
progress that the Chamber of Com merce
had been formed. SO far the Chamber had
found the business community en- rapport
with it in advancing local trade in every
way. He hoped that the good feeling thus
aroused would grow and add more, month
after month, to the city's welfare.
Mr.. Fish read letter from Claus Spreck-
els in which the writer expressed his re-
greet that he was unable to be present at
the gathering. He said that illness pre-
vented him from attending, but that his
sympathy and feeling were with the mer-
tect and build up their trade.
Another distinguished invited guest who
was not present was Governor James III.
Budd. He was on the programme to re-
spond to the toast of 'Our State" but at
the last moment he was compelled to send
word that he could not be present. The
toast, though, was ably responded to by
Senator George c. Perkins, who had been
scheduled to speak to the toast of "Our
Commercial Interests Abroad"
Mr.. Perkins remarks were impromptu,
but they were delivered in the happy vein
for which he is noted, and were applauded
by the interested listeners.
In response to the toast of the San
Joaquin Railroad Hon. w. r. Davis made
a happy response. He said that it was en-
couraging to note the spontaneity with
which the people of the State had taken to
the road, and assisted it in every way. He
trusted that the enthusiasm in the good
cause would not die out, and he did
not believe that it would. Above all things
he wanted to see the road touch Oakland.
While Stockton was going to receive the
benefit of the road in its beginning the
speaker wanted to see Oakland get what it
deserved, and he had no doubt but that it
would. The city could rely upon the
management of the road to do what was
just.
One of the most interesting responses of
the evening was made by George de Cola
on the subject of the Business Interests of
Oakland" In part he said:
AS resident of this city for many years let
me voice the mutual satisfaction we all feel
that at least upon one matter of public interest
and Importance in this city all the bust
ness men n, OF the city have come to.
1T is fact that we must all recognize, that sell
dom, If ever before, have as many citizens,
representing as many interests, come together
in harmony, seeking only for the general good,
the development and progress of our city. And
L congratulate you, as well as the city, upon
the unity OF purpose and harmony of action at
this time.
In this organization we find all the progress
sive, active, enterprising merchants of our city
organized to better, to advance the interests of
the city and at the same time advance their
own interests and protect their rights.
Let us foster, encourage and protect home
enterprises, buy from our own merchants, keep
our money at home. With the above end in
view let us do what we can to discourage I'M
falr and unjust competition. Let us create q
sentiment that the city government will recog-
nize, so that legislation can be had with
this end in view. And, finally, let us
lay aside all personal dfspleasures, antagon-
lsms or private grievances. Let us take ex-
ample from sister cities, many of whom are far
in advance of US in the way of public enter
prise, and tremendously and concertedly work
and act for the advancement of our city, in
which advancement we each and all are bound
to participate.
The other toasts of the evening were as
follows: 1.-The City of Oakland" responded
izations," responded to by W. A. Holcomb;
Our City Council" Walter G. Manuel
"Our Professional Men, ex-Mayor George
c. Pardee; THE Ladies'" R. NJ. Fitzger-
aid; "Our Navy" John P. Irish; COLLECTS
OF the Merchants Exchange" George e.
FalE ar !, d Banking Interests Of Oak,
+. A. Leach of the Enquirer; "Our Manu-
featuring Interests" J. w. Nelson; "Edu-
cation and the Public Schools Fred M.
Campbell.
1t was long after midnight when the
festive event was ended, and the guests be-
gan to depart for their respective homes.
Altogether the occasion was one which
will be long remembered by Oakland bust
ness men. because it brought them together
In close harmony and engendered feelings
of mutual good will.