The San Francisco call., 1897-02-27
.CUBA'S FRIENDS
FILLED WITH
ENTHUSIASM.
The Committee Appointed by
Mayor Phelan Holds a
Rousing Meeting.
C.. NJ. SHORTRIDGE PRESIDES.
I Ringing Speeches Made by Wen-Known
~ Business and Professional Men---Sub-
8: Committees Appointed to Arrange
: for a Demonstration.
SHORTRIDGE PRESIDES,

= Ringing word in freedoms name that
found a spontaneous response in en-
thusiasic applause were spoken last even
ing at the meeting of the committee OF
tifty-eight appointed by Mayor Phelan to
arrange for q mass-meeting to give the
people of San Francisco an opportunity of
expressing their feelings toward the
patriots OF Cuba.
Ehe very mention of free Cuba seemed
to find responsive chord in the hearts of
those present, and staid old business men
clapped their hands and tapped their
canes on the floor and cheered the eIo-
quent speakers who demanded that San
Francisco get in line with the rest OF
America and reach out a helping hand to
the Gem of the Antilles.
Solid men of the community from al
most every walk of life responded to the
call for the meeting. Merchants, bank
ers, attorneys, physicians, journalists,
public officials and others sat side by side,
and wed with each other in their eager
ness to do something for the cause.
The meeting was held in California Hall,
q ON Bush street, near Powell, and was
called together by Faust E. Mascherini
and john h Jones, the pioneers in the
Cuban movement in this City.
Among those present were: Gavin Nc
Nab. James D. Phelan, A. P. Van Duzer,
Fisher Ames. Charles ". Shortridge,
- Joseph Leggett, Henry E. Highton,
Robert Ferral, General Solomon, George
II. Gaden, Major w. Fahey, Faust E.
Mascherini, John H, Jones, R. P. Clement,
H. B. Masters, A. Meyer, John H. Lyons,
D. B. Cunningham, Frederick Staude and
many Others.
. The platform at the north end of the
hall was tastefully decorated with Ameri-
= can flags, but the meeting would have
been earnest and enthusiastic had 1t been
held in a sandlot, and before the gathering
=. dispersed there was not man present
but felt that he had enlisted his time and
euergies in a noble cause.
:Charles NJ. Shortridge called the meet
: ing to order by nominating General E. S.
.Salomon for chairman in order, he said
to get down to business and show the Gu
=: ban mpathizers that the committee was
alive and ready to take action.
General Solomon declined the honor on
! the ground he was not altogether familiar
with the movement and that the men
who had originated the Cuban League of
San Francisco and called the meeting
o
-. better.
President Jones of the Cuban League
then stated that Mayor Phelan had prom
: ised to be present and that it would be
more fitting to await his presence. mas
much as he had appointed the body that
was gathered together.
1--WE have gathered here" he said 'for the
purpose of expressing our sympathy for Cuba
4
and independence from the cruelty, tyranny
and oppression of Spain; to devise ways and
means whereby San Francisco in particular
and California IN general may materially
assist them in obtaining that for which they
D.: struggle and to map out plan whereby these
objects NAV be the more readily accomplished.
LAS look around this h all and see so many
Of san Francsco's influential citizens, each of
Whose face glows with upmistakable sympa-
:kthy for that oppressed and down trodden peo-
vple there remains not a doubt in my mind
:. Mat when Cuba's banner is hoated to the
world as that of a tree and Independent re-
pubhc the Cuban League of San Francisco will
- rest proud OF the iact that Cuba's gratitude is
extended 10 it, and thatit has assisted in cause
that has the sanction of the lioeral-minded
portion OF the civilized world, and the success
Of which was preOrdained by Almighty God.
"As movement such as this will require
fnuch labor, patience and considera ton, YOU
will, no doubt, pardon me if suggest few
things that may assist you in your delibera.
tions.
"a systematic effort should be made TO raise
sufficient funds in order that material assist
dhce may be given toward procuring for The
. soldiers OF Cuba provisions, medicines and
medical attendance, ETC., all of which are SO
essential 10 a people engaged in bloody
combat
.:e"Branch leagues should be organized in every
-. county. of the State so that there Will be CO.
:. operative action between every section of the
State and thereby spread the feeling for the
: cause of Cuba
Resolutions should be drafted protesting
against the indifferen. attitude and policy oi
d. the present administration OF the United
States and requesting Major Mckinley to
adopt vigorous policy in the Cuban affairs
and Immediately after his Inauguration, or as
soon thereafter as possible, TO grant belligeren
:rights to the Cubans and to demand the in
staGt release OF all American citizens confined
In Cuban prisons for political offenses.
s"Gentlemen: A great duty lies before us, one
ps.which the good we will do viii become 6
.tur: of history my confidence in your honor
tb,lity and integrity convinces me that you
IFill not be found wanting in our efforts &c
assist Cuba TO become free. When the grea
struggle is ended and Cuba Libre is recog
nized republic of the world there will come 8
sound from that region below the Gull which
will say: Long live the Cuban League of San
Francisco
Robert Ferral suggested that the Mayor
might be late in arriving, and that in or
der to begin the business of the meeting