The San Francisco call., 1897-07-05
A FEW VETERANS
WILL Be ABSENT
But Their Mistake Will Be
Unnoticed in the
Throng,
Oounoilmen Open a Personal
Crusade in Favor of
Good Streets.
Not Enough Pusionists Gould Be
Found to Organize Bryan
Parade.
OAKLAND OFFICE SAN FRANCISCO CALL

To- morrow there VIII be lew gaps IN
the ranks OF the Grand Army as the
parade passes through the streets. These
gaps will not be caused by death, but be-
cause OF some political differences that
exist between Mayor Thomas and a few
members of the G. A. K. This attempt to
spoil the effect of an Independence day
parade is to be deplored, for certainly
personal, petty, political pique should
have no place in Fourth OF July parade.
Such conduct is a tacit admission that
personality is paramount to patriotism,
and such an admission is certainly un-
becoming an honorable soldier.
Last spring certain Old soldiers - as
they cad a perfect right 10 do--showed a
preference for an Independent candidate
for Mayor and openly worked against
Captain Thomas. This matter was very
decisively settled at the polls. Now the
breach has been opened wider, and be-
cause Mayor Thomas is taking a proml-
nent part in to-morrow's parade his po-
litlcal enemies have refused 10 march in
the parade. Even if the Mayor has not
made some appointments that others ex-
pected there is good reason why he has
not done so. He was elected on.a Repub-
Iican platform that definitely states that
all Republicans should be retained in Of
hCe so long as they were capable. This
plank has been carried out, and although
fidelity 10 it may have caused some disap-
pointment 10 office hunters, this surely
is not a good reason why Fourth OF July
parade should be snubbed.
To-morrow's parade is not a tribute of
respect to Mayor Thomas; it is not an ex-
hibition of Oakland Republicansm it is
not got up for the amusement of small
boys or politicians. 1t is a citizens decla.
ration of loyalty to tAe flag that will be
carried al its head and that will wave
over the shoulder of every veteran in line.
The principle of the pageant is infinitely
superior 10 persons or party, and is one
OF the few occasions-perhaps the only
one, except February 22-on which all
Americans can unite in one common de-
monstration of love of country. 1t is
greatly to be regretted that there are a
few honorable veterans in this city who
view this matter differently.
II ever Oakland is to have good streets
there must be a change in the spirits of
some property owners. As soon as the
Street Superintendent publishes a notice
Of his intention to have certain street
work done protest is put in, and if it
comes from a majority Of the frontage the
Miller is undoubtedly in earnest and has
satisfied the Council that he is ANXIOUS 10
have good streets because such a policy is
right. But on every hand he meets with
opposition. Last weeks meeting was a
fair example of the opposition OF the
property-owners.
This opposition has no reasonable foun-
dstion. The protestants were informed
that to hx the streets abreast of their
M ma
square foot, now that the city owns the
necessary machinery Tor plowing and
rolling. For a twentY-five-foot lot this
would cost s. only, and yet there are ma
jority protests in against having the
work done on some OF the worst blocks In
The city. One man, who said he was
real estate dealer, said he would not have
it done ii ii only cost Il of cent square
loot. He wanted the street railroad to
tx their tracks first, and Councilman
tibush told him that the law required the
railroads to keep their portion i'll as good
a condition as the rest OF the street. Mr..
Fibush also offered TO put up bond that
the tracks should be repaired as soon as
the property-owners did their share, but
this would not induce the protestant 10
withdraw. Such opposition certainly de-
serves another name.
All protests have been laid over at
present, and the committee are at work
trying to show the protestants the error
OF their ways, and already some have met
with success.
The idea is prevalent" " said Mr.. Miller,
that ii We do any street work it will ruin
the property-owners. Such is not the case.
and to show my confidence in the matter
! will give each owner q guarantee. if
necessary, that the work abreast of his
property shall not exceed by cent the
estimate place upon it. Surely nothing
else can be expected, except they want me
TO pay Tor the work out of my pocket"
Christian Endeavo- day in Oakland is
going to be a great success. All sects and
classes have m bined efforts for the occa-
sion and the 18Th of July will be truly
memorable day. During the past couple
of years there has been noticeable drcp.
ping of The closely defined lines which
bound 0aklanders. On all great oeca-
sions, where the benefit of all is con-
cerned, people are now inclined to join
hand in hand and something is accom-.
plished. There is no religious bearing on
the visit of the EndeaYorers to this city.
1t is day of pleasure and entertainment
extended to a vast lodge OF worthy men
and women, whom We wish to impress
with the fact that this is better place
than the East This is neither the duty
of an evangelist nor a tradesman. 1t is the
privilege of ali 10 set forth in the most at
tractive manner the many charms and
advantages of Oakland and this will be
done next week.
The managers of the Bryan reception
next Tuesday did wisely in not attempt
ing to get up parade in his honor next
Wednesday, Indeed, 1t would be a hard
matter to know who and what could be
found to make a parade in Mr.. Bryan's
honor. Since the fusion fiasco last No
VEN Der, and the handsome Republican
majority in this county, fusionists have
been rapidly seeking cover and free siIv
has hardly even been mentioned.
OF course a large crowd will gather at
Lincoln Plaza to hear the magnetic
speaker; butthey will not be Populists or
Democrats, but mostly people who will
from curiosity want to see and hear the
man who engineered Presid entail boom
at a National convention in his own favor
with an imaginary crucifixion on golden
cross. As Oakland has now fine BOOM
ing programme in view for the next
week, including the opening of the ex-
position, the Fourth lebration. &c E."
day, and some local plays by amateurs,
Mr.. BrVan's visit would seem 10 be very
timely attraction. STUART w. BooTH.