The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-09-19
CongratuIatory Letters From
Eminent Prelates of the
Coast.
PRESIDENTIAL FIGHT
RayWards the Favorite in the Con-
test to Secure the Next
Session.

\. NJ. j, day IN vallejo. 1t IS hOllday
in every sense, though business is trans
acted as on every business day of the year (;
but the townspeople are upon the streets
and all seem bent on enjoying themselves.
The Grand Council of the Young Men
Institute reconvened early in the morning
in Odd Fellows Hall. They went to work
before the usual hour, so that their bust
ness could be finished in good time for the
celebration, which has marked the day as
one TO be remembered in this city.
AT IL A. NJ. all discussion of institute
affairs was laid aside until tomorrow;
speechmaking and canvassing for officers
were forgotten and the delegates went
down to the wharf to receive and welcome
excursion parties from San Francisco, Be-
necia, Martinez, Alameda County and
some aeighboring towns. When the visit
ors arrived there was a grand parade, and
then the general Publication began.
The morning session was called to order
by Grand President Frank Kierce of San
Francisco, but before the Grand Council
entered upon its deliberations Grand Secre-
tary George Stanley read kilograms Of
greeting and bearing blessings from Vicar
General Louis de Schram of Vancouver,
Wash; Vicar-General Grace of Sacra-
mento and Bishop Lemons of Victoria,
B. C. They were heard with deep interest,
and when the letter of Archbishop Riordan
was read there was wild enthusiasm.
In his cordial communication the Arch
bishop wrote:
SAN Francisco, Sept. II, 1895.
George Stanley, Grand Secretary, Y. n L
DEAR SIR am deeply grateful TO the Grand
=1n rfgN
sion OF the anniversary of my conservation,
and in return send the members Assem- bled in
convention my best wishes for a successful
and fruitful meeting. The Y. NJ. |. has been
from its organization a society of which our
Catholic young men should be proud, and in
my Judgment has been source of incalulable
good, not only TO its members but 10 the entire
community. May its membership be in
creased and its efforts for God and country be
realized. Sincerely yours, P. w. RIoRDAN.
Proposed amendments to the constitu-
ton were taken up again and discussed for
two hours, some of them eyoking heated
debates.
Phil Sheridan Council proposed to
amend the article relating to the general
fund of the order. 1t wanted to have
funeral fund as we'll as q general fund, the
former to contain revenues from assess
ments levied for funeral expenses, and the
latter to be composed of revenues from the
per capita tax, supplies, charters and fines.
The proposition had but few supporters
and was promptly rejected.
Another proposed amendment coming
from the same source limiting the per
capita tax to 81 year was argued at some
length, but this dollar limit business met
the fate OF other attempted innovations
and was dropped.
Vancouver Council No. los offered an
amendment to article two of the constitu-
ton providing for third grade of mem
bership for those living away from the
towns and places where councils exist,
such members to pay 81 a year and to re-
ceive the Institute Journal and to have the
privilege OF attending meeting, but with
no right TO vote or receive benefits. 1t was
lost.
An amendment was adopted which pro-
vided that only one grand director can be
elected from the same subordinate coun-
Gil. This was offered in the interest of
more equitable representation and met
with general approval. The country rep
resentatives grew enthusiastic over its sue
cess, as hitherto San Francisco and the
neighboring councils had more than their
share of presentation on the board of
grand directors for the reason that they
were all close together and could attend
meetings of the grand board. Now, how
ever the country will likely have a good
deal more than formerly to say in the man.
agement of the Pacific Coast jurisdiction of
the institute.
The Grand Council adjourned to meet
the excursion boats and participate in the
parade. When the ferry steamer Amador
arrived she brought large delegations from
Benicia and Port Costa, which were accom-
panied by ladies' and chill dren. They were
met at the dock by members of Vallejo
Council and the Vincentian Cadets. Soon
atterward the steamer Mary Garrett ar
rived from San Francisco with more than
a thousand visitors. Company A, League
OF the Cross Cadets, with band, escorted
the delegates from the metropolis. A pro-
cession was formed on Georgia street, the
main thoroughfare of the city, and with
out much delay moved uptown between
two solid lines of spectators.
Grand Marshal John J. O'Brien of San
Francisco and Joseph Clavo of the Vallejo
Council led the parade. The band from
the Independence training-ship was first
In line, and Immediately behind came
Vallejo Council with American flags and
Y. NJ. l. banners waving in the breeze.
Then came the grand officers and delegates
numbering about 800 in all.
Benicia Council was next in line, march
ing TO the field music from, Benicia Bar
racks. Port Costa Council was with them,
making phalanx of stalwart young men
that stretched along two blocks four deep.
St Vincent's Academy, Vallejo, a com
pany OF boys in the gray uniform of mill
tary schools, paraded and passed through
variety of evolutions under command of
Sergeant James Ryan, q. S. NJ. c.
The San Francisco band followed, With
Company A, League of the Cross Cadets,
close behind. company front They es-
corted the city delegations, which were
out in large numbers.
Haywards was there with every member
of its council who could leave home. 1t
carried its institute banners and American
flags and proudly displayed badges that
all could see and read, for Haywards
wanted to impress the delegates favorably.
Even the ladies from that enterprising
town walked in the parade, for which
they were applauded along the route.
Visitors and "citizens in carriages"
brought up the rear.
When the head of the procession.
reached Georgia street.-the central point
of Vallejo-a stirring ceremony took the
town completely by surprise. The indie
pendence band halted and wheeling half
around played 1.-The Star-spangled Ban
ner." AS the first inspiring notes filed
the air there was a boom of cannon. and
the stars and stripes, which had been
hanging in knot at masthead on the
corner, was unfurled.