The San Francisco call., 1897-02-25
A TRUE CALIFORNIAN.

II Judge Mckenna at any time had any
doubt of the popular favor with which his
selection for a position in the Mckinley
Cabinet would be received by the people
of California, it must have been fully and
thoroughly dispelled by this time. His
appointment was everywhere hailed with
gladness. The press throughout the State
gave expression to the sentiments of re-
joicing which were universally felt. and
he has had additional proof of the pleas
ure of the people in the banquets which
have been rendered him in this City by
men representing all classes and all par
ties.
The testimonials of esteem shown to
Judge McKenna are to a large extent per-
sonal. Il is quite true that the people re-
ioice in his appointment because it gives
q Californian place in the great execu-
tive council of the Nation, but it is equally
true that they would not have been so
much gratif had not the man chosen
been one whom they delight to honor
and whom they believe to be worthy
OF being the first representative OF Califor-
MIA in the Cabinet of the Nation. Judge
McKenna may rightly accept a large por-
ton of the congra tulations given him as
being tributes to him self as well as being
expressions of gratified State pride. The
peopl rejoice because their state has at
tanned high office and because the man
who will fill it will add new honor to the
State by the manner in which he will per-
form his duties.
In his address at the banquet on Tues
day evening Judge McKenna showed how
thoroughly he is in sympathy with the
sentiments of his fellow-c citizens. After
pointing out that Cabinet officer is not a
representative OF State, he expressed his
recognition of the fact that an appoint
ment to such an office is in some sense an
honor to the Sta.e from which the man
who receives it halls. "In that sense" he
said. "setting aside my own connection
with the matter, may rejoice that Cali
fornian is in the Cabinet"
With words OF genuine earnestness
Judge McKenna declared his devotion to
the State and his determination to work
with all his energy for it's welfare. 81
love California" he said, 'for its sheer
physical beauty and genial climate. l
love it in its higher sensibiity, in its
birth, in its lie and its action. l shall go
into the Cabinet a Californian, and that
shall be my highest title" These were
right words fifty spoken. They were in
harmony with the occasion and touched
the sympathies of all who were present.
California was doing honor to one of her
fortunate sons, and it was most sppropri-
ate that he should receive the tribute
paid him with due recognition of what he
owes to his State and with clear express
sions of his loyalty to it.
1t is a source Of qualification that in the
first appointment to the Cabinet from
California the selection has been made of
a man who carries with him into his office
the respect and the esteem of all his fell
Iow-citiZens. Snch man in such an Office
will have great influence in promoting
that spirit of harmony which 10 essential
to California patriotism. Having the con-
tidence Of all his fellow-citizens, and being
recognized by men of all parties as a true
and loyal representative of California, he
will be able to serve the West in many
ways, and We may rightly rejoice in hav-
ing such man to stand for our State in
the Cabinet.