The San Francisco call., 1897-02-23
SONS OF THE
REVOLUTION
They Celebrate Washing
toms Birthday at the
Occidental.
Eloquent Addresses, Music and
a Sonnet in Honor of
the Patriot.
William III. Bunker on the Boyhood
of Washington-RApid Growth
Of the Society.

The California Society OF the Sons Of
the American Revolution celebrated the
natal day of Washington by an elaborate
banquet last night at the Occidental Ho-
tel. The large dining-hall, in which
covers were laid for 140 persons, was beau
tifully decorated and festooned with flags.
Sidney NJ. Smith, the president, occupied
the chair at the head, and among those
present were Colonel W. NJ. Shafter,
Colonel S. NJ. B. Young and others con-
spicuous in the army and navy, as well as
distinguished citizens.
On the cover of the menu was an origi-
nal design, showing Colum mbus rocking
cradle. by Miss Caroline L. Cook of the
Sketch Club. A printed poem, entitled,
Mount Vernon" by Charles S. Greene,
was handsomely illustrated by one of the
young ladies belonging to the Daughters
of the Revolution, with the picture of
Washington ana his country home. 1t
was sealed with stamp belonging 10 the
Washington family. One OF the principal
peakers was William NJ. Bunker of the
Report. The toasts and responses were as
follows:
Introductory remarks by the president, Sid
ney NJ. Smith; s'The Spirit of Washington S
Time," Almarin P. Paul; Washington the
OOAulSE, OOlOHel fTADk W. Inc
French Republic" Alexandra Laurence de
Lalande; Washington as Boy and Man." Will
liam NJ. BuUk ker; washington the Surveyor
~. U. Dodge, read by Charles L. P. Marais;
mount Vernon" Charles s. Greene; THE
Swiss Republic" Alfred A. Borlini.
number of the speeches were very
happy and eicited much applause. Mr..
Bunker responded to the toast "W hing
ton xs Boy and Man." He said in part:
He was proud, mettlesome. dignifed boy,
with temper and Will of his own and fond
ness for athletic sports. Al the age OF IA he
romped in recess with the largest girl in
school and thus early showed regard for the
fair sex that 10 the last was one of his leading
and N ost admirable traits. He ever held
woman in respectful admiration, and while
shy as q reporter under some circums tances,
in the presence OF the fair ones he was always
at home.
Washington inherited his military spirit
from the great-grandfather who, eighty years
before The birth OF this great-grandson, was
the hero OF co-oniai Indian wars; his phy ysique
came from his mother and mis- early training
and education were due 10 the two elder
brothers with whom he went to live at the age
OF IL.
At II Washington was county surveyor
at salary OF $3.50 year; later ad-
iutant OF Virginia military district,
then aid TO BraCdock, then q burgess
and later genera and statesman. He
was singularly modest, and, strange as it
may appear to those familiar with the public
men OF to-day, he. blushed at words of praise
Elected chancellor OF William and Mary Col
lege, ne wrote that he feared he was not fit for
the position and thought the trustees might
easi Y hnd better man. Imagine pu bic
man of 81 declining an Office on the score OF
his unfitnessi The bravery of Washington
balanced his modesiy.
When we consider the early environment of
Washington and the rude methods and free
style OF his period; when we think ofthe temp
tations besetting the handsome, high-spirited
successful young soldier; when We recall the
countless social, official aud military dangers
surrounding him, we are amazed beyond
measure that he passed through the ordeal
Without single stain, that he always bore he
white plume of a blameless life, and that to-
day, knowing him as boy and man, we, as 8
people, and all the free peoples OF the earth,
can meet on q common plane and join in his
epotheosis.
About twenty years ago the California
Society of the Sons of the American Revo-
luton was organized in San Francisco.
The society is composed of lineal male de-
scendants of the patriots who assisted in
establishing American independence.
All applicants for membership ust be
able TO present documentary or other sat-
isfactory evidence that they are lineal
descendants of sires who were loyal TO,
and rendered active service in. the cause
OF American independence. This condi-
tition of membership is indispensable,
and must be without flaw.
The managers of the society are: Sidney
NJ. Smith, president: Ed win BonnelI, sec
retary: Colonel J. G. Currier, senior vice.
president; Hon. Horace Davis, junior
ce-president; Charles II. Warner, treas
urer; William Schuyler Moses, marshal; {;
| Colonel A. S. Hubbard, register; Roberts
Vandercook, William NJ. Bunker, H. u.
Dodge, Nj. L. Reqna and A. B. Paul.
The roll of the society shows go names
and additional mem bers are being gained
at tie rate of twelve month.
singular circumstance and one verv
unusual at most banquets was that every
seat was filed. 1t was one of the largest
and finest gatherings that has been seen
in a long time.