The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1897-01-13
from Photograph by Taber.)

as is the area of our great commonwealth,
there is within its confines no hamlet so re-
mote but that the name of George G. Perkins
is household word therein. In every CON-
munity there are men who, by their industry,
foresight and sound judgment. rise above the
commonplace of their surroundings and
achieve success in life. where men of less
ability and force of character meet only with
failure. Such men make history, and the his
tory of such men is the truest and best history
of the time and place in which they live. And
in modern times at least there has been no
more unique or thrilling chapter of history in
| dited than that describing the experiences of
those sturdy pioneers who. almost half CEN
fury ago, left their homes of comfort or luxury
in the East and brayed the hardships and
perils of journey to the new Ell Dorado
which had been discovered on the broad Pa
ciic. Humor, pathos, burlesque and tragedy
were all enacted in the lives of those men,
and we Californiaus OF to-day who are enjoy
ing the marvellous results OF their courage
| and determination owe them debt OF graft
tude which has been but scantily recognized
and which can never be repaid.
Among those hardy men there came some
time in the "ffties" penniless youth from
the rugged and rockboupd shores of Maine,
fred with the persistency OF purpose and de-
termination of character which are the heri-
tage OF every New England boy. / need not
recount the events of his life from the time of
his arrival in California to the present. They
are part of the everyday history of his
adopted Slate. AS newsboy, clerk, merchant,
miner, legislator, Governor and United'States
Senator his name is identified with every step
of progress and advancement in our wonder
ful State-material social, educational and
political-for the last quarter OF century
Few men have had more varied experiences
none has preserved through them all q more
honorable name or more unsuilied reputation.
His holding of public Office has always been
because that lndescribable but all-powerful
agency. public sentiment, has demanded his
appointment or election. Many of us who sit
in this chamber to-day remember well how
two years ago we were chosen as members or
the California Legislature upon the express
condition that our votes should be cast for
George G. Perkins for United States Senator,
and how, Notwithstanding the most stren-
uous efforts of other able and worthy aspirants
for the office, he was returned to the position
he had so satisfactorily filled.
And now, fellow-members of the Senate, 1t
again devolves upon us in our official capacity
to choose his successor in Office Personally
hope some time in the near future to see the
intelligent people OF our progressive State per-
form this duty for themselves by their direct
law as IL exists. But in this instance our duty
is plain-our task an easy one. We are but
the representatives of those by whose grace
we are here chosen by them under the law to
execute their will.
For myself, representing in part that rich
and rapidly developing section lying south OF
the Tehachapi, am left in no doubt as to the
wishes of my people. My instructions are
clear. definite aud not to be disregarded. In
many other districts the people have also
spoken in no less certain tone. But even
though there had been no instructions to
single member here, there would be no room
for honest doubt as to the choice of our people
for United States Senator. 1t is as certain as
the sun will continue to shine in the heavens
that If the election of United States Senator
could be submitted to vote of the people OF
this State to-day the Hon. George G. Perkins
would be chosen by an overwhelming major
ity, and 1.-THE people, are always to be trusted.
Thank God. the old adage, "Vox populi, vox
Del" is still true in our great Republic and
God forbid that 1t shall ever cease 10 be true,
for when it does then will government OF, for
and by the people perish forever from the face
of earth. Fellow-Senators, let US heed the
voice OF our people and execute their will by
casting our votes for the reelection to the
United States Senat of the distinguished in
cumbent, Hon. George G. Perkins.