The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-12-18

One of the Most Enjoyable
Events in the History of the
Organization.
Special Reference Made to the Pro.
posed Monument to Robert
Burns.

The thirty-frst annual reunion ard
banquet of the CALIFORNIAN Club, held in
Scottish Hall last night, was an immense
success in every respect. The hall was
filled with mem bers of the club and their
ladies aud guests. who all spent most
delightful evening.
Among those present were:
Chief D. R. Mcneil, Miss Viva C. Mcneil,
Frank T. Shea. Jeremiah Deasy. w. Watson.
DR.. d. Maclean, Dr. g. S Backman, James T.
Mcdonald James A. Mckay and wife, Captain
Mcneil and wife, William Mckay, Colin NJ.
Boyd, Mr.. and Mrs. John MeLaren, J. MeNab,
Mr.. and Mrs. James Scobie, Mr.. and Mrs. John
Reid, Mr.. and Mrs. George Davidson Miss Jen-
ME Davidson, Miss Jennie Brown Colonel C.
L. Taylor, Jonn w. McGilvray, Mr.. and Mrs
Andrew McNair Mr.. and Mrs. w. C. Cook
Duncan and wife, Mr.. and Mrs. John
NJ. Duncan, Sergeant I. w. Bethel,
Robert S. Duncan, Mr.. and Mrs. James Dun
can, Miss Elsie Duncan, Miss Jennie Duncan,
Mr.. and Mrs William Nichol. Mr.. and Mrs. Y
C. Lawson, James McLea, Miss Belle McLea,
Miss Edith Henderson, Mr.. and Mrs. George
Bethune, Miss Fannie Rigodia.
The hall was tastefully draped with
bunting and above the chief and the prin-
cipal guests was displayed the Scottish
flag with lions rampant and on each side
the stars and stripes.
During the evening special reference
was made by several of the speakers re-
garding the proposition to erect monu-
ment to Scotland's bard, Robert Burns, in
Golden Gate Park, and each reference to
the subject was greeted with rousing
cheers, which augurs well for the consum-
nation of the scheme. 1t was announced
by Chief Mcneil that it will be formally
taken up and discussed at the regular
meeting of the club next month.
After the company had Assem- bled the
formal installation of the officers was
Chief, d. R. Mcneil; first chieftain, John
Reid; second chieftain, George Davidson
third chieftain, James II. Duncan; fourth
chiettain, John W. Cameron physician,
DR.. ]. A. J. Mcdonald.
After the installation ceremony the mas
ter of ceremonies, ex-Chief Angus Nc
Leod requested Chief Mcneil to make a
presentation to George Mitchell. the retir-
ing fourth chieftain. The chief, in a
few well-chosen words, presented TO Mr..
Mitchell a beautiful diamond ring from
the club as token of its appreciation of
his four years services as financial secre-
tary, and the recipient made suita Die
reply.
sThis ended the business part of the pro-
ceedings, and the company sat down to
the festive board. The menu was up to
the usual high standard of the Gale
domains, and included the "haggis." its
appearance, preceded by Piper Neil Lind
say, being greeted with rounds of ap-
plause. Then shot Scotch" was brought
on the table and the literary part of the
progra NINE was commenced.
Chief Mcneil in his address spoke of
the objects and aims of the club and its
success in the past year. 1t was the in
tention of the officers to carry on the good
work, and their cry would be upward and
onward.
I'VE have now" said the chief. 'ar.
rived at period when there is nothing
particular to do as club. We have a hall
of our own and a satisfactory income,
What, then, shall we do with our money
and time:
Individually most of us have ample
use for both, but as club we have moth
ing special on hand. This brings up the
suggestion made several years ago by ex-
Chief Colin M. Boyd, to erect monu-
ment in Golden GATE Park to Scotland's
sweetest bard, nay the worlds sweetest
bard, Robbie Burns [cheersl [ am much
pleased at The cordial manner in
which you have received the sugSes-
ton, which confirms me in the be-
lief that If the CALIFORNIAN Club
makes up its Caledonian mind the monu-
ment will be erected. Ii the club once
takes hold of it 1t will have, / feel sure,
plenty of assistance as Robbie Burns is
dear to the heart of every one that loves
the sweet and beautifui in nature, and is
especially dear to the big, liberty loving
heart OF the American people,
The toast list was then taken up. THE
President of the United States" and 1.-The
THE Land We Live In" was responded to