The San Francisco call., 1896-03-25

morning at his residence. 1923 Eighth
street. He had been in poor health for
three years, never having fully recovered
from an attack of the grip, and in conse-
quence of this he was forced to retire from
business. Last September his illness as
sumed a serious aspect, and about three
weeks ago his life was despaired of.
Mr.. Collins was a native of New York,
and came to California when he was 20.
He settled in Placerville, Ell Dorado Coun-
ty, and tried mining for time, but he did
not make fortune. and in 1861 he helped
to found the pioneer grocery firm of Burns
& Mcbride, of which he was partner for
over fifteen years. While resident OF
Placerville Mr.. Collins took an active in
terest in local affairs, and in 1871-72 he
served as member of the Town Council.
In 1877 the firm dissolved partnership, and
Mr.. Collins came to Oakland. He estab-
lished himself in business in West Oak
land, and continued to live an active life
till i'll health compelled him to retire.
In 1889 Mr.. Collins became conspicuous
in local politics. In that year there was a
bolt from the Republican party in the mu-
nicipal election on account of dissatisfac-
ton with the primaries and fusion ticket
was put up by the seceders and the Demo-
Gratis. Mr.. Collins, who was Republican,
was named for Councilman in the First
Ward. He ran against T. ]. Carothers,
who had always been considered invinci-
BILE, and beat him by few votes. In the
Council Mr.. Collins served one term as
president OF the body. His best work was
done in the reform of the liquor license
system and in retrenchment of expendi-
lures. In 1892 Mr.. Collins ran again, but
was defeated. In 1894 he was nominated
for Assemblyman, and it was very close
between him and ]. B. Mcdonald, Demo-
crat. Mcdonald was declared elected, but
Mr.. Collins contested the seat and finally
won it, the recount showing he was elected.
He took his seat shortly before the end of
the session.
He was a good speaker and an ardent
advocate of Republican principles.
The deceased was member of many Sc
cret organizations. He was member of
Harbor Lodge of Odd Fellows, the An
cient Order Of United Workmen and also
became the assistant supreme treasurer
for the Pacific Coast in 1882, and he has
held the position ever since.
Mr.. Collins was a man of kindly nature
and homely, unaffected ways and had
many friends. He leaves widow and five
children. They are Miss Mary E. Collins,
Mrs. Jennie Stevens, Mrs. Lottie Law
IeHCc, w SOlIluS anu OeOISe OOlllQS.
At the time of his death the deceased was
63 years months and 16 days old.
The funeral will take place this after
noon from the Chester-street M. Z. church.
Rev. F. w. Beatty will conduct the music.
The ceremonies will be under the auspices
of the Odd Fellows and Ancient Order of
United WOrkmen. The interment will be
IN Placervilie cemetery.
Defunct Debating Society.
OAKLAND, CAL. March "a. - The
Washington-Lincoln Debating Society
held its last meeting. Friday evening with
Miss Carrie w. Howard OF Berkeley. 1t
Will never meet again, but it's former
members will in years to come recall with
pleasure its history and many happy
events connected with its life. The So
ciety was formed on the evening of March
20, 1884. at the home of Mr.. and Mrs. Alex
ander B. Freedman, on Adeline street.
1t was composed of band of young men
and women who desired to meet Thursday
evenings to discuss the topics of the day.
Three years later it took the name of the
Washington Debating Society, which it
retained for five years, when it was
changed to its last name on incorporating
with it the Abraham Lincoln Debating
Club. The total mem bership of the twelve
years was LIT. Out of this number severn
teen couples have been joined in yedlock
and sixteen deaths have been recorded.
He Was Not Admitted.
OAKLAND, CAL, March 24.--License
INSPECTOR Mitchell was refused admittance
to the Macdonough Theater last evening