The San Francisco call., 1896-03-15
Citizens Show Their Appre.
citation of the New
Baths.
THE MAYOR CONGRATULATED.
Inaugural Speakers Compliment Him
Upon the elimination of His
Victory.

| struck the water with a splash. In an in
slant dozen other lads had joined him.
Mayor Sutro had not yet finished his pres
entation speech, but it was superfluous for
him to announce that the baths were
thrown open for the enjoyment of the peo-
| pie of San Francisco. The action of the
| irrepressibles, whose patience did not suf-
| fee for any further waiting on formalities,
demonstrated it to the entire satisfaction
OF the spectators, and they cheered their
appreciation.
| 1t was most disagreeable day. A cold
wind blew from tie ocean and the sun
| shone dimly through veil of mist. Sea-
ward a dark bank of clouds marked the
horizon, and the smoke of passing vessels
suggested a gale. In spite of this unat-
| tractive programme in the weather there
were about 1000 people at the Cliff during
the aftern oon.
The inauguration exercises commenced
at half-past 2. On platform in the CEN
ter Of the baths were seated Mayor Sutro,
Colonel Taylor, Henry e. Highton, Taylor
NJ. Rogers, DR.. G. D. Cleveland, William
! c. Little and Cassasa's California Exposi-
ton Band.
After selection by the band, Colonel
| Taylor, as president of the day, made a
! brief speech, eulogizing the Mayor and
i commenting on the magnitude of his pres
| ent achievement. He introduced Colonel
/ Thomas f. Barry, who said that when he
contemplated tie grandeur and mag
j niicence of these baths and tried to ex-
i press his sentiments, he stood between the
i devil and the deep sea. 81 have had the
honor" he said, Ito preside over meetings
I of citizens who were in hearty sympathy
with MIR. Sutro when he was endeavoring
to construct the road and now it is great
pleasure to witness the final realization of
his hopes"
Henry E. Highton paid an earnest
tribute to the persistence and energy
which had resulted in the realization of
Mr.. Sutro's comprehensive schemes to
benefit the citizens of San Francisco. "This
building" he said. ''is triumph over
! monopoly and corruption, and it will shine
as grand memorial to its founder. Con-
trast the actions of Mr.. Sutro and Mr..
4 Huntington. While Huntington is busiIy
traducing this State in the East, Mayor
Sutro is here earning and receiving the
i praise of his fellow-citiZens." He rendered
his personal congratulations to Mayor
Sutro upon the completion of his task.
DR.. G. P. Cleveland made brief address
| QUESTION OF such colossal benefit and
the Mayor upon the successful issue of his
uneeasing energy.
With an appropriate speech Colonel Tay-
lor then introduced the Mayor. The peo-
pie rose en- masse and made the building
ring with their cheers. The band caught
the spirit of the occasion and played a
few strains OF He's Jolly Good Fellow" !"
and it was fully five minutes before he
was allowed to proceed. He said in part :
1t is great honor and pleasure to welcome
you to the opening of this structure that has
| instruction of the people Of the City of San
| Francisco and of the visitors within her gates
There were obstacles in its construction and
no mean ones, either. For instance, that big
glass wall that fronts the waters of the Pacific
could tell a long story of difficulty, perse-
verance and final success To obviate all dan
ger OF ever being washed away it had to be
raised safe and sound on strong foundation.
There were many days when the angry sea
prevented work, and there were more when
4 the men could not labor for more than two or
three hours q day.
This is only sample of the difficulties that
were met with in the erection of the building
and that delayed the construction. Suffice il
to say that these difficulties were so numerous
and so great that am within bounds when I
assert that the invisible work OF the SUBJ
structure cost as much or even more than the
visible superstructure under whose ample and
airy roof we are to-day gathered.
In various parts of the building you will find
! collections OF natural history, of coins and
intaglios, curios from Egypt, Mexico, Pales-
tine, Assyria, India, Japan, all parts of Europe,
Alaska and other countries, as well as hum
dreds OF other objects that will amuse and in
struct and at the same time will help to instill
| in the minds of youthful visitors desire for
learning. This was leading motive in nv
| idea of collecting library and to a large ex-
tent also in collecting the relics and curiosities
| contained in this museum. Should such be
the effect it would be a qualification beyond
anything that money could give.
In conclusion ladies and gentlemen would
express the hope that these baths may serve to
extend the reputation and fame Of our fair
City, may prove source of health-giying
| amusement to our men and women, to OH r
boys and girls, and fit them for the struggles of
life.
now declare the baths open.
At the conclusion of the speech three
rousing cheers were given for Mayor Sutrc.
| In few minutes the water was alive with
bathers and the spectators were laughing
at and applauding their antics. Cassasa' >
band rendered number OF selections dur
ing the afternoon.
In the evening there was an athletic
exhibition by members of the Olympic
Club, followed by band concert.
|