The San Francisco call., 1897-03-12

The exercises partook partly of the
nature OF Republican celebra ton,
patriotic flag RAISING and q display OF
school children. Not less than 5000 people
attended the ceremonies ct the plaza anc
as the day could not have been more
perfect every body was encouraged 10 do
little decorating, and the town has not
appeared SO lively since the Democratic
County Convention over two year. ago.
Prom pity at l o'clock detachme of
G. A. r. men fired salute of minute
guns, one in honor of each star in the
flag. After the firing Of the salute pro-
cession was formed with the veterans in
the lead and marched to the schoolhouse.
Five hundred little Americans eayly at
tired and carrying flags and flowers were
then escorted to the plaza.
Joseph Rerscherr, the chairman, gave
the order TO raise the fae, and as soon as
ii was at the masthead f. S. Hastings,
who is himself veteran, made pretty
little speech formally presenting the flag
and fiagpole TO he city. 1t was acce pied
by B. ID. Gray, president OF the Board of
Trustees, and he thanked the giver on
behalf of the town, every body che red and
waved their hats and the sound of graft
tude could be heard mile away.
W. H. Lans don, president of :he.day,
delivered short address in which he ex-
pressed his entire approval of patriotic
practices which cannot fail to create a
lasting impression for good in the minds
OF the young, and cannot help but increase
the fervor of those who have nearly COM
pIpted The battle OF life.
The children then saluted the flag and
accom- panied by the band sang in chorus,
"Red. White and Blue" Professor Daw-
barn in his speech made the following
reference to Comrade Hastings, whose
patriotism had promo pied him to donate
the flag:
One of the boys in blue who hastened to
meet the foe was our friend and neighbor, +.
S. Hastings, who has this day presented us
with this oble present Young as he then
WAS he had aireaay been trained 10 arms in
his native State OF Massachuseus. But he was
at that time resident OF New York and a
m EN- ber OF the celebrated Seventh Regiment
of that city. He Immediately joined the Dur
yea Zouaves and at once learned what war
means in many bloody skirmisL and scout
till at last he fell dangerously wounaed in
head and limb by bursting shell.
When citizen hastens to such danger it is
because he is proud of his country. When he
ia Is dangerously wounded. face 10 the foe, 1t
is hi, country which is proud OF him.
So Sergeant Hastings lay in the hospital,
fighting death and the doctor, who wanted 10
amputate his limb. But he was al last able to
leave that hospital and FASTENED TO New
YORK where he enrolled 100 brave volunteers
and once again HhslcHeu W INC itoht, ieCelN-
ing a grand ovation as his troops passed
through Philadelphia
l3ut il was soon discovered that his wounds
were lar too severe to permit of his return TO
active duty. So he had to SUBMIT but his
country and his countrys flag was to be the
pIory of his lie. He promise ed the Grand
| ARMY OF the Republic, when II visited this
state. to unfurl its flag before God and man.
and You all see how he has. this day. fu. fi.led
his promise.
Ex-Judge Nye mnde one of his charac-
| teristic spec ches. He came TO San Lean