The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-03-14

wire that the bill letting the San Fran
cisco and San Joaquin Valley Railroad
into the metropolis has passed the second
house and is practically law. Under that
law the new road may occupy the water
front lots and have a local habitation
IN the city. Its purpose-the purpose
OF the railroad company-so far as
has been determined upon, is TO
build its terminal station at China
Basin at the foot of Illinois street, and
there the unlimbered product of one of the
most fruitful valleys of the State may be
shortly set down for distribution to the
world, and as the enterprise shall rap
idly develop to its ultimate destiny of
reaching into every section of the State,
striking off its commercial bonds as it
goes, San francisco Will attain her destiny
also, in sympathetic touch with every sec
ton, the distributing center for all.
Another interval for cheering will be
here permitted, with a few balloons and
fireworks. The number of balloons is not
restricted.
If this story appears little disconnected
remember that this is a great day and too
much should not be expected.
AS TO China Basin it is a slough now
that makes no boast as to its looks
Usually a man would walk around the
block TO keep it out of sight. But it is a
perfectly lovely place to drive piles and
build piers and such things that should
not require the Governor to expert.
President Claus Spreckels of the new
road and all the directors and others
chiefly interested were jubilant yesterday
upon receipt of the news, which was laid
upon their table almost before the result
was announced by the president of the
Senate at Sacramento.
Friends of the road dropped in at fire.
quent intervals during all the afternoon to
say "Hurrah" And as the intelligence
taken from the newspaper bulletin boards
spread swiftly through the business por-
ton of the city sober and impassive bust
ness men instinctively took each other
hands, saying, at is good news-the coun-
try is safe"
But the city is safe, too, and no objec-
ton will be made to any person disposed
to cheer for few minutes more Just here
A large chart was spread out upon the
table before President Spreckels and he,
with Engineer Storey and several of the
directors, studied it through most of yes
terday afternoon as men who were already
embarked and all that was to be done was
to avoid the waste places if any there be
in California.
"This makes the San Francisco and San
Joaquin Railroad a known quantity" said
Mr.. Spreckels in response to the question
as to how he felt about it. 1--WE know now
exactly where we are and what we have to
do. Glad? Well, l should think so.
II don't want to commence making fail
ures now, but when have looked over the
forces which have been arrayed against us
IN the past few days L am free to confess
that have been somewhat apprehensive
as to the character of the result which
would follow this contest. However.
everything has turned out splendidly, and
Of course We all feel elated over the matter
and encouraged to prosecute the building
OF the road from now on with renewed
energy.
al shall call meeting of the board of
directors soon, but 1 can't say as yet upon
what day. | will wait until our friends get
back from Sacramento.
"The work of building the road will be
commenced just as soon as it can be gotten
under way. The terminus for this end of
the road, at least, is determined upon, and
1t is not Baden or any other suburb, but
the city of San Francisco itself This is
most important. The prompt and favor
able action of the Legislature in the face of
the forces that were at work to thwart us
comes at this time like a godsend We
will have no trouble, | am sure in securing
the terminal desired. Our progress from
this time will be comparatively swift. Sub
scriptions, | am sure, will come to us more
readily, for every important feature in the
proposition is now clearly defined The
newspapers will have something defining
to present to the public. The directors are
all delighted"
Do you feel like cheering little now i?
Very well. A bell will be rung three min
utes before the curtain rises, so you need
not hurry.
Vice-President Whittier was also highly
elated. he stated that meeting of the
promoters committee would be held to-day
and list of the new subscribers be given
to the public. He said that the favorable
action of the Legislature would have a