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

work well done, and with neat flourish
dedicated the foundation of the edifice to
the principle of friendship, loyalty and
country. Architect A. c. Lutgens pre-
sented the trowel to Grand President
Sproul. One side of the trowel bore this
inscription:
Presented by Henry c. Langrehr and Edward
c. Kolben to the Hall Association of the Native
Sons of the Golden West, as an expression OF
their admiration for the order, with the wish
that this trowel be placed within the corner
stone of the new home OF the n. S. G. W., Feb
ruary %, 1895.
On the reverse side were the words:
Hall Association of the Native Sons of the
Golden West. President, James D. Phelan; sec
rotary, Adolph Eberhardt; building commit
tee-John H. Grady, chairman T. c. Conroy,
secretary; A. c. Lutgens, architect; T. Keogh,
superintendent.
Miss Barbara Bannon read poem.
Joseph E. O'Donnell was the orator of
the day. He began by eulogizing George
Washington, told of his invaluable services
to his country, reviewed his great military
triumphs, analysed his deep affections for
the nation which his genius had made
possible, and recited his virtues as pa
triot and a man.
The orator graphically pictured the eight
years struggle for American indepen-
dence and touched upon that beautiful
chapter in Washingtons life when at the
close of the war he laid his sword upon
the altar of peace and retired to private
life. His services in framing the constitu-
ton, his occupancy of the Presidency
like the lovely chef d 'nuvre of the Grecian
artist he exhibited in one glow of associ-
ated beauty the pride of every model and
the perfection of every master all the
striking features of Washington's life were
well handled by the orator, whose perora-
ton had more to do with the Native Sons,
and was as follows:
While we justly indulge our national pride
to-day in the celebration of the birth OF Amer
ica's noblest son, we are forcibly reminded by
the ceremony which has just taken place and
the vast building preparations we see around
US, that one of the great projects OF the Order
of Native Sons of the Golden West is about to
be achieved; that we have selected this day of
patriotic memories for the birth of the impos-
ing edifce which is to occupy the spot on which
we stand; and, that we have chosen the glori-
Gus spirit of Washington to act as sponsor to
the offspring OF the zeal, devotion, selfsacrifice
and liberal1ty of those noble sons OF California,
whose arduous and devoted labors have made
possible the ceremony of to-day, and whose
names should live ensbrined, not only within
this cornerstone, but in the hearts OF those who
shall enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Our order had its origin some twenty years
ago, on the anniversary of the birthday OF
American independence, in the exubcrance Of
national patriotism, pride of State and that
sentiment of remarkable fraternity inherited
by he children of some OF the noblest men that
ever graced the land of Washington, the early
|
able and venerated pioneers OF California:
Nurtured by the strengthening draughts of
loyalty, friendship and benevolence the infant
society thrived and grew into q grand and
powerful organization which welcomes its
memb ers to whatever part of our State they
may go and which stands a living exponent OF
the bountiful resources, patriotism and virtue
of Californas sons.
Among the ten thousand members of the
order, four thousand of whom are in this city,
| the large number who are distinguished in
public life and the many who hold with honor
| positions of trust throughout our state attest
| that the lesson of principle taught in the con-
stitution of the order has borne its fruit IN the
righteous discharge by its members OF their
! public and private duties.
! found in every town and hamlet in California.
Let the foundations of our building be laid,
| let the superStructure be builded up and ce-
mented let each stone and timber be raised
| and riveted in the noble spirit of fraternity,
| the great cornerstone of the order itself; ana
when the last of the noble pioneers have been
| laid to rest beneath the earth, which 10 then
! first unfolded its treasures; when those VINO
! have this day assisted in laying this corner
stone have become but memory; when gen
| erations have come and gone and our CITY mas
! become the rival of the worlds metropolis;
| may our order prove true to the principles IN
| which 1t was conceived and preserve lnvloiate
the traditions intrusted to its keeping; ana
may the noble spirit OF unselhsh PATRIOTISM
| which predominated in the character OF Wash
| ington ever pervade the ranks OF our beloved
order and find lasting resting-place within
the walls soon to incloSe the nome OF tne Ma
tive Sons of the Golden West.
The closing song, 'Old Hundred was
sung by the Hawthorne quartet ana the
assemblage, accompanied by Cassasa' S
band. The multitude then dispersed
In the afternoon banquet was given by
the Hall Association at Norman's.
Governor Budd and Mayor Sutro were
unable to be present.
SPONGE Fiber Gov Blotting is best absorbent