The San Francisco call., 1896-07-29

Red Branch Hall on Mason street their
headquarters selected this name as their
standard they undoubtedly struck a SYM
pathetic chord in the hearts of every
American.
Having those grand views as an object
worthy of the cause of Republicanism and
an honor to the men who ave selected
this name for their club, they have made
no mistake as to the significance of the
cause they have espoused.
The organizers of the James G. Blaine
Repu blican CluD never do things by
halves. When they make up their minds
to accomplish purpose, they generally
succeed.
Though modest ana somewhat secluded
from the common political brawlers who
shout without accomplishing anything
save making noise, those men go to
work with determination to win.
No better example can be produced to
establish this fact than the act of the
president of the James G. Blaine Club.
In 1875 he and John ]. Breslin sailed
out of the harbor of San Francisco on
board the Catalpa with Captain Anthony
In charge, bound for Western Australia. TO
there beard the British lion, supported
by English cannons and feet men, of-war
Ihe Catalpa was bound TO rescue six po-
lItical prisoners who were serving a life
sentence at the Frem antle prison for the
heinous offense of saying that the British
monarchy had outlived its usefulness and
that republican form of government
was the only thing that comm anded the
universal admiration of civilized people.
10 llberate those men at the risk OF his
own lie was the mission of Thomas Des-
mond, now president of the Blaine Club.
and how well he carried out his in ntentions
was proven when in 1876 he arrived IN an
Eastern port bringing with him his six
liberated countrymen.
For this brave act Desmond's admiring
friends nominated him in 1879 for the
high office of Sheriff of the CITY and
County of San Francisco.
His popularity and genial nature Sc
cured Tor him an overwhelming majority
against MS opponent, and, as the records
Will fully substantiate, no man ever filled
the Office of Sheriff with more credit to
his constituents and honor to himself. His
career disappointed a good many who at
that time were prejudiced against the
Worklngmen's party, which had elevated
him TO office, and, unlike the majority of
greedy and inscriptions office-holders,
Desmond left the Office poorer man than
when he entered it.
Although Tom Desmond as his
friends love to call him, had received his
nomination from the Workingmens party,
yet he was stanch Republican and never
affiliated with any other party.
BY his sincerity and devotion to the
principles of the Republican party he has
made hundreds of converts from the ranks
OF the Democratic party, who, until the
principles OF Republicanism had been ex-
planned to them by one in whom tney had
the utmost confidence. had adhered to the
false doctrine of Southern slavery
There can be no such word as 'fail" for
club with a president like Desmond and
assisted by executive officers of such
caliber as George w. Reid, well-known
merchant in this City for the past thirty
years; John T. lyman. M. Casey, William
j. Hudson, w. f. Coleman, M. Hart, and
the other gentlemen who compose the off,
GERS OF the club, who are; ice-president.
Nj. Casey; financial secretary, John NJ.
Donohoe; recording secretary, John Kill
mead; treasurer, NJ. Hart; sergeant-at-