The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1895-02-23

our new hall and thank you for the interest
you have taken in our work.
AS it is the ambition OF every good citizen to
own his own home, so every fraternal society
feels that Its purposes, as its meetings. are scat
tered unless 1t can meet under its own roof
tree. Ownership Will give permanence and
stability TO our organization, which has grown
so rapidly that its ambition is about to be real
lied i'll the possession of its own home The
parlors and individual members, actuated by
no other motive than the good of the order,
have formed the Hall Association; and the
laying OF the cornerstone to-day, like the
planting OF the seed after the careful cultiva-
uon OF the ground, gives assurance that our
hall, in its fine proportions, will spring up
beautiful as flower, sturdy and sheltering as
tree.
When our members come from mountain and
valley to visit the metropolis they will be well
come within its doors-for them refuge
and rendezvous; when our city mem
bers seek recreation and social intercourse
here will they find it; when they meet for mu-
tual help and charity these walls shall be their
temple. Such place as this helps men to help
themselves, each getting support from the
other and all finding in oompanionship
strength and courage.
Hence we feel that the undertaking is well
worthy the honor you have paid it to-day.
This is the birthday of Washington of whom
1t has been said that he had no children in
order that the country might call him father.
His patriotic countrymen are his children, to
whom he has transmitted the heritage of free
dom. His unselfsh service to his country
makes his great name not only the boast OF
American citizenship, but the glory of the
human race.
We have chosen this day, dedicated to patri-
Que memories, because, before any considera-
ton OF State pride, we are American citizens
Yet while IT is true that the day above all
others winch our order celebrates is Admission
DAY, II is because on that day California en-
tered the glorious union of States made sacred
by the yalor and patriotism OF Washington.
Inc discovery Of gold in this very month
torty-seven years ago was a momentous event
In the history OF this State and had its infiu-
ence IN The affairs of the world, yet we turn
from what Is in a certain sense mere local
event TO the birthday of Washington, and we
but reflect the sentiment in the breast of every
true Native Son when we choose this day for
the laying oil the chief stone of the corner of a
monument destined though it be to perpetuate
the love we bear TO our State, for State and
country are one and inseparable
YET IL would be the affectation of modesty
not 10 belleve and assert what so many people
OF other States have generously conceded that
Cailtornla is the pride of the Union Endowed
SO 6ountlfully by nature with gold and fruits
ana grains, her sons have every reason for their
rove, ana IL would indeed be a kind of ingrati-
tude II no organization had sprung up to per-
petuate her memories, sing her praises and
This we proudly do. Welded to the soil by
that mysterious and universal influence of ma
1--WE lana we stand together for California and
LOT cheering each other on the road of life,
fortunately cast in such pleasant places, vet
always ready with no narrow conception of
our duty, to welcome the stranger within our
Se''S9 eNtT open ROlUeH BdleS OF hospital
1ty. This hall shall better enable US to uphold
our beloved commonwealth, to carry out the
fraternal and charitable objects of our organi-
cation, and 10 that extent it is great and
meritorious work which we have thus aus
piciously begun.
Past Grand President John T. Creamy
offered prayer and the Hawthorne Quartet,
consisting of Frank Coffin, r. Fletcher
hilton, 5. E. Tucker and w. J. Bachelor,
rendered an ode to the Native Sons. Mrs.
IpnnV al, io5t
ent M. Smith and music by HI. j. Stewart.
Peerless Queen of the West, in your glory and
pride,
Sitting calm and serene by the deep flowing tide;
WIN your wlde-reaching valleys and hills we be-
In your rivers and mountains rich treasures OF
gold.
On your valley at night beams the moons mellow
light,
And the stars OF the universe glittering bright,
In LII the rays OF the sun at the breaking OF day
flash over the mountains in serried array.
CHORUS
lis the gem of the West and the farest and best;
Will sing of the land of the brave and the blest.
Golden star Of our flag you win shine in the light,
YIN me one snowy Serras rise iot1y anu Drlgnt;
your children, most loyal, will love you forever.
Your fame they will cherish and most faithfully
Unsullied, secure, till they finally sleep
LII they sleep in your bosom and quietly rest,
LII they Join the great band OF the brave and the
blest.
Cassasa's band delighted the multitude
with the prayer from ''Moses in Egypt"
Grand President ]. d. Sproul then laid
the cornerstone with a beautiful silver
trowel from Shreve's, Grand Treasurer
Henry s. Martin depositing the casket
and Grand Secretary Henry Lunstedt
reading the list of articles it contained
all taking place while the band discoursed
soft music and the quartet sang the star,
spangled Banner" The stone was lowered
and Grand President Sproul declared the