The San Francisco call., 1898-12-25
A Royal Welcome and
 a Fond Au Revoir.
rHRONGS GREETED THE HERO
DELIVERED ADDRESSES THAT
 BREATHED FIRE.
Receptions at the Park and Y. M. C. A. Attended by Thousands. He Departs for
 Manila.

Lieutenant Richmond P Hobson, hero Of the sinking Merrimac and reported hero of many thousand kisses bestowed upon the willing lips of worshiping maid eus, dawned upon this city and is now heading for southern waters as fast as Twin screws can take him. The now fla mous young officers time was fully oc- iupied from the moment he arrived here 1ntil the Gaelic left it's welcoming shores. No rest did he enjoy during the past twenty hours. From the time he stepped from the Oakland boat until embarking his was a reception worthy of Presi- 5ent. Warm hand clasps and enthusiasts lie cheering greeted him everywhere, but DO kisses. The famous visitor modestly 'efrained from indulging in this pleasant occupation by keeping ruby lips at a dis ance.
 The naval hero's programme as mapped put by the committee of gentlemen who received him was carried out to the let er. He was conveyed by Mayor Phelan md Lieutenant Roberts to the park in he morning, where thousands of curious spectators mad congregated. Although 1t Mas cold morning, the crowd patiently Iwaited his coming, and on his arrival ae was given a hearty reception. While he park band discCursed the national air dobson was escorted to the Reyes mon- iment and introduced by Mayor Phelan. When the cheering that greeted him had lubsided the hero of the Merrimac said;
 Il cannot help expressing my gratitude Ii your greeting as l stand at the foot If the beautiful monument erected to he memory of the man who composed he national air to which We have just 1Stened. for 1 believe 1t is but recOpui- lon Of the work done at the front in the letense or the Star-Spangled banner"
 MT. HObsOn continued in this strain for fifteen minutes, his remarks being pune udted with applause. At the conclusion it his speech he began to bow his ac- tnowledgments and moved toward his carriage, but his listeners wanted more md cried for it. He was reminded of the Incident that brought him fame by cries II ' Merrlmac, and he then returned to lis former position.
 In speaking along that line he said he lad hoped he would have been excused rom making any reference to it. He then uNldly described his trip on the collier md the stirring scenes that followed. His tescflptlon or the imprisonment of him. ell ana men, and of the incidents that occurred, Was listened to with deep in At the conclusion of his speech Hohson Jas cheered again and again and the IoWd rushed forward to grasp his hand ne squad or policemen in attendance lattled hard to stay their rush and suC- ,eeded in saving the brave lieutenant rom the enthusiasm of his new found I1ends. AS he drove off in his carriage nen ran along for a distance, vainly try ns 10 grasp his hand and assure him Of heir high regard.
 The carriage proceeded rapidly to the IOung Mems Christian association huiId- ng, corner of Ellis and Mason streets where the naval officer had another au- Hence 10 aduress. The auditorium was ToWded with members of both sexes the ndieS predomnating. As the lieutenant. ireceded by the city's executive steppei n the stage, the audience arose en masse mo applauded him enthusiastically
 Mayor Phelan introduced the chairman the meeting, Rev. C. k. Locke and tie u@ofer, ate hn well chosen sentences, paid a poke of him as being the highest type if American manhood and of being n Ihivalric Christian
 Lieutenant HobSon, in slow and soI- mn voice, began his address. but before le finished hIs voice arose to . higher htch, Indicating his feelings. h part ne aid:
 Tt is action, not words, that character Ees the man in every walk of life It IS eldom that words accomplish much but fult1ul acton IS constant. In the late war ! has been told you that our navy is a ,hrlstan navy. You all know the spirit hat animated the men of the American ,aVy in rescuing the officers and men of ne spanish fleet after it's destruction off 'antiago harbor. Put in the words of Cap ain fhilip of the Texas it was: Don't neer. men. The poor fellows are dying
 our motive in this war was represen- atiNe Of the highest form of Christian civilization, for we were called upon to lperate and uplift the oppressed people The speaker then dwelt on the proiec- lies used by the Spanish navy and our wn. He said the enemys projectiles eemed utterly pOWerless against Amer ran life, while American projectiles 5ruck home, remarking that this was a 1rangely significant fact. He then went n and described some of the thrilling cenes enacted on and about the Merri- nae, and closed with eulogy on the :hristian spirit displayed by the Spanish 11cers.
 No sooner had he ended his dramatic ecital than the audience showed its ap- reciation for his address and for the nan by rising to its feet and cheering vo- nferously. Owing to the height of the 1age no attempt was made to reach jim, as at former receptions, and the dis lnguished guest retired to the street by private stairway. The crowd would not e denied. however, and when he reached he street he was surrounded by a jos ling throng, eager to reach his side. With he aid of the police he gained his car lage, and as 1t moved off the cheers were Ieartily renewed.
 Hobson was purposeS1 late in reaching he Pacific Mail dock Shortly before the teamer sailed he drove on to the wharf n carriage and as it stopped close to he gangplank he attempted to ascend to he, deck unnoticed. Vain hope, however, $ he was soon recognized and again he [as surrounded by good-natured crowd The ladies were eager to shake his hand nd outfought the men for its possession. Dne bright damsel thrust card in his alm and begged for his autograph. .As Ter request was granted 1t was a sig al for three score more cards. For early fifteen minutes the lieutenant was .ept busy affiXing his famous name to ards of all descriptions. Even Louis long, the Chinese interpreter, gained the nuch-sought-for signature.
 Immediately on reaching the Gaelic's eek Hobson mounted the bridge. where tood Captain Finch and Pilot Meyer. As he steamer backed away from the wharf was accorded departing ovation. In assing along the water front number tugs saluted Hobson with deafening irens, and he returned their signals bV lowing the Gaelic's whistle.
 Lieutenant Hobson Is bound for Manila rhere it is understood he will make some forts to float some of the Spanish war hips that were sent to the bottom by the edoubtable Dewey.
 
 CAPTAIN SIGSBEE'S DOG.