The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1897-07-14

Oakland, Cal, July 13.-This city was
besieged today by enthusiastic thou
sands of convention Christian Endeav-
orers. By invitation of the local union,
Oakland day" was months ago decided
upon as festivity of the visitors from
the four corners of the globe. and a
fitting recreation ID conclude the
great international convention.
Early in the morning the throng of
pleasure seekers began their pilgrimage
from San Francisco to Oakland. The
big ferry boats which cross the bay
separating the two cities were crowded
with singing Christian EndeavoreTs,
and it was after noon before the crush
ceased.
AT the station, the visitors having
been transferred from the dock to this
city in immense trains. there was an
almost endless line of carriages to con-
Vey the young people to the picnic
grounds at Lake Merritt, near the city
limits. Others were transported on
street cars, and by noon the beautiful
grounds called The Willows" which
surround the lake, were filled with an
army of Endeavorers. Everything had
been done with an open hand for the
pleasure of the visitors. Free trans
portation had been furnished across the
bay and to Oakland, and likewise on all
street car lines in this city. Many En-
deavorers proceeded to, take in the
town, flooding the parks and points
Of interest. The business thoroughfares
were in gala attire with their floating
banners and waving flags, while the
bright badges of the young people
everywhere added to the picturesque
scene.
The chief attraction seemed to be a
lavish lunch spread under the trees of
The Willows" on long table arranged
as hollow rectangles. There were sand
witches by the thousand, lemonade by
the barrel, fruit by the ton and cake
by the cart load. The throng PLAYED
progressive lunch, many returning
periodically to have another round Of
the good things. Young women con-
nected with the local societies served
the guests from the tables attractively
decorated with flowers as well as food.
About the middle OF the afternoon,
when appetitets had been satiated, the
gates were thrown open and Oakland's
poor were hidden to the remains of the
feast
Then came rowing on the lake, with
an occasional coterie in possession of
the steam launches. A landing place
mad Deen constructed IOr the occasion,
but no boating party seemed disposed
to sing that favorite Endeavor song,
Pull for the Shore" In fact. many
fingered until late in the afternoon,
and reluctantly left for the return trip
across the bay.
1t is difficult to estimate the number
of visitors. as the young people came
and went in small armies. It is safe
to say, however, fully $4,000 visiting
Endeavorers were entertained in Oak
land today, besides members of the To-
cal societies. All the street car COM
panies made special schedules for the
accommodation of the guests, and most
of the employees were consequently
compelled to go without lunch, so busy
were they in Transporting the singing
sightseers.
The decorating at 1.-The Willows
was picturesque. The American flag
foated with the Christian Endeavor
banners, and over all waved yellow
streamers, California's chosen color.
The food for the throng was fur !
nished mostly by the different /
churches, the business men of the /
place shouldering their share of the ex-
oenSa