The herald., 1895-02-24

carefully preserved and intermixed with
Chinese works of art.
1t was shortly after clock when the
members of the advisory board of La
Fiesta, composed of Messrs. Koepfi New
mark, Salkey Rule, Thomas and Sloane
and a Herald representative were escorted
by Chang, the interpreter, to the room )
OF the Board of Trade. In the middle of
the large hall stood eight of the principal
merchants and directors of the organiza-
tion, with uncovered heads extending a
hearty welcome to the visitors. With all the
strctest formality of an official occasion
introductions took place, and after a cor
dial handshaking all were seated. A box
of fragrant Havanas was passed around,
and when all were made to feel perfectly
at home the business that brought these
representatives together became manifest.
MIR. Newmark, on behalf of the advisory
board, referred in complimentary terms to
the magnificent display the Chinese resi-
dents made last year in the Fiesta. He
said that their procession formed the most
attractive feature of the pageant, and he
and his associates had come to invite the
Chinese population again to take part in
the festival, to which they had so largely
contributed last year to make it a success.
He then introduced Mr. Thomas, as
chairman of the Southern California COM
mittee, who briefly stated the desire of
the Fiesta committee to see the Chinese
represented this year.
J. o. Koepfi, the president of the Mer-
chants Association, next addressed the
Chinese merchants. In an eloquent speech
he RI ilNa1
was created in the pageant last year by
the gorgeous costumes and magnifce Mt
tableaux prepared by the Chinese resi-
dents He called attention to the feeling
of friendship that had been produced be-
tween the two nationalties by the court
esy of the Chinese and he believed that
if the latter should again participate in
the festival, the ties of good feeling would
be more strongly cemented. He referred
to the impression that the display had
created among the Eastern people, and
said that the greatness of the Chinese
nation could be portrayed in no more en-
phatic manner than by another grand ex-
hibition. The efforts on behalf OF the
Chinese to make the Fiesta success
would be more than appreciated by the
residents of Los Angeles.
Interpreter Chang then read an article
published in The Herald, describing the
Chinese display of last year, and showing
that the public feeling was most friendly
toward the Chinese and that heir partic-
ipation in the carnival was not only the
most attractive feature, but had left a
lasting impression upon the minds of the
people of this city.
Mr.. Newmark asked for an expression
of the Chinese merchants upon the sub
iect and, in response, Chang interpreted
the following little speech of the president
of the board: Gentlemen: The Chinese
merchants and residents appreciate the
honor you have done us to invite US again
to participate in your annual celebration.
We feel that it is our duty as residents of
this city to take part in everything that
tends to benefit Los Angeles. We are not
unmindful OF the expressions of good will
and OF the acts OF courtesy we have re-
ceived so abundantly from your hands in
the past. We are anxious to do everything
that will make the Fiesta success, but on
account OF hard times that we have en-
countered, the prospects are somewhat
gloomy for large and expensive display
However, we will call mass meeting of |