davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-13
THE HEROIC SYMPHONY.
Wagner's Explanation of Beethoven's
Hero.

Wagner's Explanation of Beethoyen's
Hero.
work of art requires no explanation.
But the very title Beethoven gave the
Heroic Symphony" provokes questions,
and there have been many endeavors to
explain it. Wagner tried less to explain
its meaning than to explain it away.
Chained to his one idea he asserted that
Beethoven's hero was not military hero.
but young man of complete spiritual and
physical endowment, who passed from
mere brute delight in life and his strength
through tragic suffering to high spiritual
satisfaction in love- that is to say. he
asserted that Beethoyens hero was Parsi-
fal or Seigfried.
Now this much OF Wagner's theory is
true, that Beethoven would not worship
mere human butcher any more than he
would worship pork-butcher as a hero
On the other hand Beethoven's hero was
undoubtedly a military hero, Napoleon
Bonaparte. We know that the symphony
was originally dedicated to Napoleon, that
the dedication was altered when Napoleon
(as Beethoven thought turned traitor and
became Emperor; we know that when the
news OF his death came Beethoven casu-
ally remarked that he had already COM
posed the music for that event.
VI what parts, then, of Napoleon's career
90 the hrst and last two movements telI2
These are questions which can never be
answered, and, mere curiosity apart, it so
happens that 1t matters little whether they
are answered or not answered, so long as
they are not answered altogether wrongly.
For whatever events Beethoven might at
any moment have in his mind he never
tried to depict them. but only to communi-
cate the emotion they aroused. He him
sell said as much. 1t is in the expression
OF human er9otion he is supreme, and to
feel Alright the emotions of the Heroic
Symphony we need only to have our
minds clear of story which Beethoven
DID not and could not have had in his
Enthusiastically Review.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-13

beach for the purpose of going on the bal
cony OF the new Cliff House to view the
seals from there.
The new house will be opened with elab-
crate ceremonies and in the evening there
will be ball.
Now that the trouble about crossing a
settled the cars of the Sutro road will be
run experimentally this week from the
carhouse 10 the western terminus near the
baths.
Yesterday afternoon there were no less
than 1000 in the Haight-street grounds to
witness the special attractions. These con-
sisted of catching cannon balls fired from
a real cannon with real powder and exhi-
billions by strong man. Herr Holtum
the ball-catcher, took up position on a
platform eight feet above the ground, but
had neglected to have a rail put around it.
AS a result of this negligence, when he
caught the first ball fired, he had nothing
to brace himself against and the force OF
the shot forced him off the platform. In
striking the ground he sprained one of his
ankles. Despite this accident he returned
to the platform and had two men hold a
heavy rail against his back, and in that
position caught with one hand a second
ball fired at him.
Signor Martinez, the strong man, gave a
wonderful exhibition of his power to lift
heavy weights, one of them being 40 gal
Ion cask of water. He lifted it by the
chimes with his fore-fngers.
Irundllng the trolley, a new feature, pro-
duced great deal of fun for the young
SterS.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-13
A RABBI TO CHRISTIANS.
DR.. Voorsanger Lectures to Young Prot
estants on the Influence of
Belief in God

Rabbi Voorsanger delivered a lecture
yesterday afternoon at the Young Mems
Christian Association. 1t was the first of
a series to be delivered this winter by lead
ing ministers of the City. One of the
largest audiences ever gathered in the
auditorium greeted the rabbi, who was
often interrupted with applause during
his address. He spoke of the influence OF
belief in God upon human conduct and
the formation of character. Speaking
OF the difference between political and
ethical laws, he said that political laws did
not seem to concern themselves with the
morality of nations. They seem to be
mainly interested in what they can steal
from each other. The influence of politi-
cal laws was negative. IF there were no
ethical laws the people would probably
all become liars" he said. Nothing has
such an influence on man as his account
ability, not to political law but to his
God"
Speaking of the contentious between
creeds, he said: "When we get down to
the bottom of any religion we find that
their laws are the same-the laws of good
ness, OF morality"
He said that the strength of republican
institutions depended largely upon the
piety OF homes. 1T is fact that our
homes are deteriorating, and that is the
greatest danger to our republic to- day.
one OF the greatest evils in San Francisco
is the boarding-house"
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-13

the Mexican War assembled at the ceme-
terry to pay their respects to the memory
of the illustrious Chief. The Fire Com
missioners, Fire Underwriters, members of
the Fire Department, committee of the
Board of Supervisors and many other citi-
Zens were present.
After they had filed through the narrow
walks of the firemen's resting place and
gathered round the yelled monument, the
Masonic quartet sang blessed Are the
Dead" Chief Engineer Sullivan of the
Fire Department stepped into the open
space and in few words began the cere-
monies.
eve are here to-day" he said, ITO dedi-
cate monument erected by members of
the Fire Department and friends to our
late Chief, David Scannell." With these
words the covering fell from the monu-
ment. exposing a graceful shaft of granite
rising for a considerable height. All men
present uncovered and the crowd admired
the beautiful monument-the solid base
with its three steps leading to a stately
plinth that bore the inscription in bold
letters giving the date of Chief ScannelI's
birth and death. For ornament there were
emb lens OF the veteran firemen and ap-
propriate scrolls, and over all rose the tall,
taperipg shaft of gray granite.
The silence in presence OF this eloquent
token from the firemen was broken by the
i'm pressive strains of peace to the Mem
DRY or the Dead from the quartet. And
when this hymn was finished Chief Sulli-
van introduced Henry E. Highton. who
dwelt long and earnestly on the noble
career of Chief Scannell and paid deserv-
ing tribute to his record as soldier, q
fireman and a citiZ en-.
More than thirty-six years ago, in the
house of Leonidas Haskell, L stood by the
bedside of David Brodgick, then suffering
from his last wound. Where warm hearts
were beating in sympathy and dread was
ebbing the life of great American. Sud-
denly the doctor said, Mr.. Broderick is
dead, and silently we retired to the lawn
in front and stood in little groups. But
one of these men was by himself. Prone
on the grass, shaken by convulsive grief
was stretched the form of David Scannell.
This man, brave almost to recklessness
was as tender rs q woman. There is not
man who fought be side him in Mexico but
loved him, not fireman who had worked
with him that would not have risked life
and limb for him. His word of command
was Follow = and it was followed into the
jaws OF death. His entire life was in some
senses a romance; he ranked among the
very heroes of romance, but he was not q
creature of impulse"
Mr.. Highton briefly reviewed the many
notable events in Chief Scannell's career,
giving full credit where nothing but words
of praise were due for bravery and hero
ism, concluding with the exclamation,
1.-The man was born hero
The singers gave 'Shall We Meet Be-
yond the River" and General Sheridan. q
veteran of the Mexican War, delivered an
address OH the war record of Chief Scan
nell The ceremonies came to a close
with the singing of Goodnight. Pm
Going Home"
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-13
THE PARK AND VICINITY
faii or the Electric Tower-The Bicycle
Road-A Cannon-BaIl Catcher Meets
With an Accident


With an Accident.
The electric tower in Golden Gate Park
Is down, never more to be raised again.
Commissioner Austin did not like the
condluon III which it remained after the
attempt to hurl it to the ground on Satur-
day, and after consultation with Superin-
tendent McLaren it was decided to make
one more effort to bring it down. Early
yesterday morning charge of dynamite
was placed under the foundation and it
was fired. The leaning structure was
shaken by the force of the explosion, for
moment it wavered, then it leaned further
toward the south and then fell with a loud
crash. There was a cloud of dust, and
when that cleared away it was discovered
that all above the first platform WIS twist
ed out OF shape, that many of the bolts had
oeen snapped and that the platforms were
IN spllnters. The lower portion remained
IN fair condition, except the southwestern
Leg which was broken off.
During the afternoon the fallen monster
was visited by large number of people,
each carrying away bit of iron or a
splinter as memento
Superintendent McLaren said he was
glad that the structure was down, and
that steps would be taken to remove the
debris without delay.
The day not being bright one, there
were not as many people in the park as
usual. There were, however, an Unusual
mum Der OF cyclers on the road The new
road being specially constructed for the
wheeIers IS being pushed forward rapidly
much OF the filling having been completed.
During the week ending last Saturday
at O'Clock in the afternoon, 71O1 persons
visited the museum. Its latest additions
are three photographs, the gift of E. n.
Atwood. These represent the white dee r
dance OF the Klamath Indians Some
very fne specimens of cinnabar from Napa
County were also received.
Quite number of persons visited the
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-13

human body, com posed of different mem
bers all dependent the one upon the other.
The lowest class, the workingmen, cor
respond 10 the arms; by them all things
are executed.
"a strike plays the part of pain in the
so cial body and indicates that something
is wrong. 1t is not right to cut off the
member that is in pain: oftentimes the
whole system needs remedy which would
do more good than mere local treatment
And SO strike in society is caused not
always by fault of the workingman, but
because there exists great wrong in
other parts of the system"
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-13
The Crust of the Earth.

The crust of the earth, according to
Professor John Mines opinion, is in
a constant state of agitation earth
movements being experienced at all
times and in all landslide greatest
European crust agitation having its seat
in Germany, Japan occupying a similar
position in ASIA. In both Germany
and Japan tide-like movement, too
great to be produced by lunar attrac-
tions, has been observed, the ground being
gently lifted every twenty-four hours,
and sometimes twice, and in all cases the
buildings, trees, ETC., stand slightly in
clined, like cornstalks in a gentle
and steady breeze-in short, the earth
is constantly breathing, as it were,
the crust making each respiration by a
gentle rising and falling, similar to that
of the chest in air breathing animals. A
certain per cent of this earth-crust dis
turbance is believed to be due to con-
ditions similar TO those which bring
about earthquakes, this being regarded
as especially the fact in respect to Japan,
where it has been traced to the continual
opening and closing of the broken strata
in the main range of the mountains.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-13
Impressive Ceremonies at the
Dedication of His Monu-
ment.
AT LAUREL HILL CEMETERY
Henry E. Highton Delivers an Eloquent
Address on the Chiefs
Career.

The beautiful monument in the firemen's
plat at Laurel Hill Cemetery, erected to
mark the resting place of the remains of
the late David Scannell, Chief Of the San
Francisco Fire Department, was dedicated
yesterday afternoon with impressive cere-
monies.
A large number of people attended the
dedicatory exercises, among them being
many pioneers. Detachments of firemen
from the various fire companies of the
City, a full representation of exempt
firemen and large number of Veterans of
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-13

consecrated and sincere ministers of the
gospel must bring about the next refor-
nation.
He concluded by saying it would be we'll
for the churches in and about the CITY to
proht by the example of the Mormons,
who concentrated their public worship in
one great temple accommodating 10000
people: Then, he added two ministers
could do what it now requires nearly 800
to perform, and the extra ministers could
go into the slums and work.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-13
FOR FEWER PREACHERS.
The Rev. Edwards Davis Advocates the
Concentration of Congregations.

4 ne heV. Euwards Davis AdvOcates the
Concentration of Congregations.
The Rev. Edwards Davis of Oakland
preached yesterday forenoon IN the pulpit
of the West Side Christian Church on
Bush street, near Devisadero, his subject
being Awake, arise" and his treatment
of it prophecy of an awakening in the
religious world, the arrival of the time
when church members Will take more
active part in public affairs.
He said that the world was asleep dur
ing the dark ages and that Luther awoke
the people Then they went to sleep again,
and 1t devolved upon John Wesley to
awaken them. Prom another sleep they
were aroused by Alexander Campbell.
Now the people are asleep again and
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-13
EVOLUTION OF SOCIETY.
Socialism Said to Be the Next Locfca
Step in Advance

There was another packed house at the
meeting of the Socialist Labor party at
Pythian Hall, 900 Market street, last night.
After brief musical and literary pro-
gramme Arthur FL. Sanborn delivered an
address on the 'The Evolution of Society,"
He depicted the advancement of man,
illustrating the various stages by different
races now in existence. He showed how
from the stone hammer had been derived
the enormous cannon of to-day. He
showed the steps that lead from the train
ing of an animal as beast of burden to
the general use of electricity, which is to
be the servant of tomorrow. He then
showed how social conditions had changed
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-13
Eintracht CYclers.

The Eintracht Cyclers have changed their
regular monthly meeting night to the first
Thursday OF each month. On Thursday, Feb
ruary q, 1896, they viii install the following
oihcers-elect: President, A. H. Freund; vice.
president, w. Horstmeyer; financial secretary,
). Lyngreen; recording secretary. f. Peterson
treasurer. 7: Schmidt: captain. II. Frank first
lieutenant, T. Peterson; second lieutenant, F.
sergeantat-arms, C. GRAM; color
bearer, H. Wolpman.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-13

and argued that the next rational and
logical step in advance was socialism.
Questions and a short debate ensued.
Miss Jane A. Roulstone will deliver an
address next Sunday evening at the same
place on Under What Banner?"
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-13
INFLUENCE OF STRIKES.
They Are to the Social World as Pains
Are to the Body.

Morrison 1. Swift delivered before the
American Socialist Society last evening at
Alcazar Hall lecture on "Strikes as an
Instrument of Civilization" He said that
the attitude of the people toward strikers
Is radically wrong. They are, as a general
thing, he explained. callously indifferent
when strikes are peaceful and condemn
them unheard when they grow into vio-
lence. Society" said he, sis, like the
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-13

Mary Stuart was one of the most fasci-
mating widows who ever lived. She had
abundant experience in the condition of
widowhood, and thoroughly understood
the moods of all sorts and conditions of
men.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-13

Nearly every army now has a bicycle
corps. In Germany six men of every reei :
ment are mounted on wheels to act as
scouts.
New-York tribune., 1896-07-23
POPULLSTS MET IN DARKNESS.
AN UPROARIOUs NIGHT SESSION OF THE
CONVENTION.

THE GRAsPrNG ELECTRIC LIGHT CORPORATION
HAD FAILED TO RECEIVE 500 DUE THEM
-TATLOw DIPS IN THE GREAT HALL.
tBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRiBUNEl
st. Louis, July 22-The Populists were In
hard luck tonight They came TO the Audi
torium in force for the night session and found
the big white building in utter darkness. There
Immediately arose a demand for tallow dips. and
before one could have said Jack Robinson the
building was surrounded by enterprising boys,
who had dropped for the nonce the shining OF
shoes and the selling Of newspapers to become
candle and match merchants.
The Auditorium was presently dotted here and
there with the fickering glimmer OF candles.
and the scene was one Of extreme weirdness.
Most Of the delegates CROPPED their way through
the darkness to their sections and seats. and
there arose at once an infammatory scene OF
inquiry regarding the absence OF light. A great
deal Of swearing was done at somebody. No
body knew just whom to subject to the "cuss-
ing" process but the profanity was prevalent,
nevertheless In great abundance.
After nearly an hour of waiting the crowd
became good -natured and began to sing and
cheer alternately with the weak strains OF the
little band up under the roof. They sang
Hold the Fort" howled for Bryan and Deos,
and made merry as best they could for hall an
hour longer when some one with thin piping
voice announced that an accident had happened
to the electric circuit. which could not be re-
paired in time tonight TO light the hall, ana
that, therefore, the delegates might consider
themselves adjourned. whereupon there arose
series Of terrific yells that all but raised the
roof. and there was a general scattering and
walking upon the feet OF other people IN the
direction Of the twenty-odd exits Of the build
ing
1t Is pretty we'll understood that the accident
which prevented the little bulbs from shining IN
the Auditorium was the absence OF some sZoo
in funds necessary to pay for the service OK
said bulbs 1t was an oversight on somebodys
part, and the grasping corporation controlling
them thus gave the Populist delegates another
cause to howl The misfortune Of the Conven-
ton has caused great deal of amusement on
the outside.
New-York tribune., 1896-07-23

caeo ticket. Representative Howard. OF Ala
hama the author of IF Christ Came to Con-
rress": Kearby and Ashby. Of Texas; Cyclone
Davis and other fiery exponents Of the Middie-of-
The Roao policy vented their pent-up hostility 70
the BRYAN Endorsement programme. and from the
very platform Of the Convention denounced as
traitors the Populist leaders from the west ana
Northwest who have allowed themselves TO be
swept away In the wild stampede precipitateo py
the crown of thorns and cross of gold oration
at Chicago. s--
Profiting hy the recess for the afternoon. the
Middle -of-the- -Roadsters organized steering
committee Of one or more members from each
State sympathizng with their straish'-ucke'
programme and practically authorizing more OF
less definite preparations for bolt IN case 'he
BRYAN forces dominated the Convention
PROPOSED SACRIFICE OF sEWALL
The followers of the boy Orator" gathered at
their headquarters downtown and enieavored to
strengthen their lines. Their confidence In the
nomination of Bryan is still firm. but they are
already acknowledging that his success Will In
yolve the sacrifice of Sewall and the substitution
OF a straight out Populist as the party's Vice.
Presidential candidate. One Of the Nebraska
delegates said late this afternoon after confer
ence OF the Bryan leaders:
I'VE are still confident that Mr.. Bryan will be
nomnated We are not so sure OF Mr.. Sewal.
The Southern wing Of the party is so insistent
upon being allowed a man for Vice-President
that the proposition may carry We are cer-
tain however Of the nomination OF Bryan.
Chairman Jones' OF the Democratic National
Committee is on record as saying that Mr.
Bryan will not accept a nomination from this
Convention which involves his running on
ticket with any other vice-Presidential candi-
date than Mr. Sewall. but Mr.. Joness state
ment does not seem to carry much weight with
the boy Orators" Populfst supporters here.
CLAIMS OF BRYAN's MANAGERS.
The Bryan managers claim this evening I64
votes against 3S3 for the Middle of the Readers.
and 19S classed as doubtful. But the total, or
764, delegates credited to Mr.. Bryan includes
the whole element in the Convention which
favors his nomination in company with Popu-
list Vice Presidential candidate and on plat
form OF fusion on electors in all the States Only
an actual test Of strength in the Convention
can show what votes the different factions COM
mand.
No evening session was held. owing to there
being no lights in the Auditorium.
New-York tribune., 1896-07-23


germs the bacli of consumption. This Is the thing
that more deaths than all the wars and pesti
ences This is the thing that onc-sixth Of
all the deaths in the world. II finds easy lodgment
In body made weak by wasting sickness or debility
from lack Of proper nourishment Impure blood is a
fertile resting and breeding place for them.
The man who allows his health to decline, who al
lows his blood to remain impure and who feels that
he Ia growing weaker every day is holding out in
vta,ion to consumption and to death. When signs Of
weakness and falling first appear! they should be met
by taking DR.. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery.
This is a medicine for people who have lingering
coughs whose lungs are weak-either by reason Of
colds or heredity 1t builds up strength Immediately.
II purhes and invgorates the blood tones up the d-
gestion, strengthens the nerves, makes the sleep
sound and refreshing. II assists the body in throw
Ing off all disease germs. Druggists are sometimes
unscrupulous enough to try and sell something else
In its place Nothing is Just as good" Nothing is
nearly as good.
No home library is complete without DR. Pierce's
Common Sense Medical Adviser" This hand
somely illustrated thousand page volume will be sent
free, paper bound to all who will send twenty.o
one cent stamps. 10 pay the cost Of mailing only, to
the Worlds Dispensary Medical Association. Buffalo,
n. V II a handsome. French cloth binding is de-
sired send ten cents additional thirty cents in ALL
DR.. PiERoE's PLEASANT PELLETS PoR CONSTIPATION.
Forty sugarcoated gfanules in little twoinc viathe
only safe aud comfortable for constipation bilousress
headache stomach heart burn foul breath and papita
ton Of the heart They do gripe any other
unpleasant feeling one little Pellet Is gentle axativsi
two mild cathartic.