davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1898-06-30
THE MaRKET-sTREET QUESTION.

! HILE all of the articles contained in the July \NI number of the Merchants Association Review are of timely interest and pertinent to the con- dtions of the city, the which will perhaps appeal to the largest number of citizens is that by D. V Kelly relating to the proposed improvement of the Market street pavement
 Mir. Kelly heads his article with the question, "Pav- ing or patching Market street. Whch2 He wers his query by saying, "The Market Street Rail- way Company alone answer" In explanation ot this fact he asserts that the railway company stitutes the obstacle to the proper improvement of the street, because in addition the cable track on the street holds franchise for horse line the tracks of which laid each side of the cable tracks. Thus fully one-thrd of the street IS occu- pied by the street company. The fear is ex- pressed that even when the repavng done the street will be only repached with strip of bitumen along each side of the tracks, simply altering the ap- pearance of the street without improving it"
 While the public will agree with MT. Kelly as to the desrabity of getting rid of the horse tracks 1t does not appear that he justified In holding that the Market street company prevent the proper paving Of Market street whenever the city gets ready 10 undertake the work. Furthermore there is no conclusive evidence before the public that the com pany would object to the repavement Even if it did object however, there Is way of compelling its compliance
 The true answer to the question: Paving or Patch ing: Which?' is to be found only after full con- sideration of the subject As The Call has repeat edy pointed out any attempt paving Market street before the system and the conduits for wires of various kinds adequately constructed would be in the end nothing more than patchwork i'm provement of the worst kind. Hardly would the pavement be laid under such circumstances than it would have to be torn up again allow for this un- derground work. The process of tearing LID by piecemea would go continually, and the new pavement, matter how carefully laid down in the first place, would soon be mass of tatters and patches.
 The desirabilty of improving Market street Is not questioned by any The avenue occupies in San Francisco a more important place than any street in any other city. It is the main artery of trattlc the chief avenue of promenading the center of business, the horoughfare by which nearly all vs tors enter the city Nearly every street in San Fran CISCO runs into it, and nearly all persons traverse it to a greater or less extent in passing from their homes to their places of business Its improvement IS therefore matter of prime necessity and the pub ic will support cordially any well directed efforts the Merchants Association may make to accomplish the result It must not be overlooked however that the improvement when 1t comes must be thorough It IS not a mere question of removing horse car tracks but of putting the whole street into condition to ht all the needs of the business carried on along it.
The San Francisco call., 1898-06-30
THE FOURTH OF JULY.

n address from J. E. ODonnel, president of / \ the Fourth of July committee, to the citizens of San Francisco says:
 "You are respectfully requested to cooperate with your neighbors in the matter of decorations. It will be impossible for this committee, in observing the economy adopted, to expend any amount tor street decoratons and therefore, it relies upon you to exhibit your patriotism by expendng the amount you would have subscribed to this committee for the celebration, in decorating your place of business in conjunction with your neighbors, that the line of parade may be continual decoration"
 To this appeal cordial and universal response should be given No citizen residing or doing business on the proposed line of march should neglect it. The committee has not asked much tainly than it has right expect of citi zens animated by both civic pride and national pa triotsm.
 The celebration of the Fourth will be this year throughout the country one of the ardent and enthusiastic in the history of the nation The sion calls for something than the usual demon stration of joy in the greatness of the republic and gratitude to the who founded 1t on principles of liberty, equality and justice. This year we are engaged in a great war. Once more the souls of men being tried by the stern test of battle Once more must show forth the enthusiasm of a loy- atty that braves danger and death for home and country, and counts sacrifice of self too great to be paid for the maintenance of the cause of the Union
 The ardor of patriotism which now infuses all classes of citizens has already shown itself in many ways. Volunteers have answered quickly the call for men Mlionaires have been profuse in their offers of wealth to aid the equipment of troops Cit zens of moderate have subscribed liberaly to the national loan. Women have given their time their energies and their work to the service of the Red Cross Contributions from thousand sources have poured into the funds that are being provided for the of the sick or the wounded among the soldiers, and for the of any among their families who may be left destitute
 All this has been well done. There remains to make the Fourth of July the occasion of grand demonstration of all the ardent feelings of patriotism which have prompted to so many deeds of loyalty since the war began. In that demonstration every citizen should do his share and take his part The duty imposed for the day upon those whose build ings front the line of march of the parade is to decor ate. Let all make preparations for it, so that noth ing will be lacking when the great day comes.
The San Francisco call., 1898-06-30
A VETERANS PROTEST.

Editor San Francisco Call-Dear Sir: As exemplifying the policy and methods or the California State military authorities in commissioning officers to commands under the Presidents calls my own case seems to serve.
 Early in April of this year I offered my services in writing to the State, named my rank as an artillery officer during the rebellion and gave my service record and references, the latter comprising nVlng and Well-known officers of the united States army and also United States vol unteers, several residing in San trancls- co now. l was notified or recelpt or my letter, with no intimation that age or other circumstances inhibited against my eligibility Upon announcement or the second call l renewed my otfer ana May g I was in reply informed that It should have due consideration upon the receipt of the call from the Secretary Of var.
 Since that date no written communlca- ton has been made to me in the matter. l accordingly called personally upon tne adjutant general of the State and was by him distinctly informed that the pol icy of the State government was to give preference to the National Guard or the State, and there was no probability or others being considered for appointment. I now read that District Attorney Barnes is appointed to a captaincy in the new regiment, and cannot learn that he IS or the State National Guard.
 I submit that this is an affront to old service officers who are willing, as 1 am, and I so stated in my letters to the ad- jutant general, to waive rank equal to my last service rank in the field and to re- linQuish claim to pension for self and heirs. I served as major, commanding Reserve Artillery, Third Corps. Gen eral D. E. Sickles (whose warm letter of recommendation I sent with my applica- tion), but I offered to accept junior sec ond lfeutenancy if necessary that might serve as an officer.
 The disastrous results of officering raw troops with green officers are only too well known to all who served in the late war or any war. These officers often be- come good officers, but only after sacri- ficing health and lives of the men while learning to be officers in the field.
 l do not ask the public to consider me or my case, except as illustrating the conduct of the State officials, in repeat ing the egregious blunders of 1861 to 1865, and I invite the attention of the friends of the brave men who volunteer as pri- yates to the unnecessary perils to which this policy exposes these patriotic volun- teers. am, sir. respectfully yours,
 WALTER M. BRAMHALL.
 San Francisco June 29, 1898.
The San Francisco call., 1898-06-30
THE HAUL OF JUSTICE.

HE excuse for the delay in completing the Hall of Justice, put forward by Mr. Britt at the last
 meeting Of the Board of Supervisors, is not likely to satisfy the public. It may be and probably IS interesting tor the contractors to experiment with terra cotta plants in and around Stockon but just why such. an enterprise should entirely stop work on San Francisco public building needs further i lustratlon. We imagine that this terra cotta yarn IS intended for the marines Perhaps Bateman Bros. the contractors think the population of this city is made up of marines, If it is, such story is ex- ceedingly appropriate.
 We agree with an evening contemporary. which discusses the matter with considerable spirit that if IS high time the people of San Francisco put stop to the custom some contractors have adopted of ma ing necessary public work a football in their busi- ness he practice of these men Is to get a Govern ment Job and work on it when they have nothing else to do Bateman Bros. have evidently taken the Hall ot Justice at too low figure and they are seek Ing 10 pull through on changing markets for ma- ter1als and various expedents, of which the alleged terra cotta plant at Stockton may be one.
 lhis IS all wrong and stop should be put to it immediately. The public business is just as impor ta1lt as any other and the people have just s oood right to have their buildings erected promptly as prlyate parties It is an outrage that work should De delayed on the Hall of Justice for the accommo No'i0H Oi NOHtidCtOIS WnO III order to euchre their competitors have taken the work at too low fpure It IS public outrage that the people of San Fran CISCO should be compelled to transact their postal business in barn while the Treasury Department of- hc1als are skylarkng around the site ar Seventh and Mission streets and contractors are eisurev litioat ing questions involving the national labor laws in the United States courts
 The fact. is, few contractors and b,;lders 1, +h; vicinity need to be shaken up. If the Board of sr- Perv1sors were able to resist the pull of Ra+eroor Bros it would now kick those gentlemen out of tbe
 Hall ot Justice and award the work to somebody else collecting at the same time the forfeit provided hv the formers contract. In this way useful 1eseon might be administered and public service rendered AS things are going the Hall of Justice will not h.. completed tor hundred years. There is no puar artee that when Bateman Bros finish with their terro cotta experiments at Stockton they will not undertake to make bricks, develop iron mines establish steel manufacturing plant, or go to Europe and engage in the business of preparing cement
 Ii these contractors have taken the contract for + work at too low figure they should be made to o;ve 1t up It IS important that the Hall of Justice shourd be completed some time during the twentieth cen tury
The San Francisco call., 1898-06-30
SOLDIER OR CIVILIAN.

THERE Is an ancient belief, strengthened by
 ages of experience, that no man worthiy
 serve two masters. Evidently District Attor- ney Barnes does not accept this While he essays to grd on the sword he would still retain his grasp of a civil office.
 Whatever legal question may be involved, whether he may have a technical right to enact dual role does not matter particularly. There can be no two opinions as to the violation of good taste involved in the peculiar course of young MT. Barnes. If he were to enlist in the army and resign from his office he might be admired for the patriotism displayed for in some measure such would be a sacrifice. But when he says in effect that he will enter the army and if the situation does not suit him, will sign and take up again the work of the courts, he does not do honor to himself as citizen and there is manifest in his declaration nothing of that ex- alted quality known love of country. The ap- parent motive is love of young MT. Barnes
 The District Attorney says that he will take the captaincy of the Petaluma troops and that if they be not ordered to the front he will leave the mand. This is not the talk of soldier. When a is inspired by the threat of war or by actual hostlities take up arms, he does not stop in- quire where he shall be sent He agrees to go with out protest wherever orders decree and wherever there is greatest need It is not for him to dictate but to obey. II he is ready do this he is not fit to be soldier, and for him to avail himself of in- fluence to secure position which real soldier and patriot would be glad to take is policy so badly selfish that it should be discouraged. There is no justice in allowing the Petauna boys to be placed under the direction of ambitious civilian who will stay with them only long as the position may be precisely what he thinks it ought to be- War is not made for the qualification of personal ambition.
 By serving few weeks Mr. Barncs would have the title of captain fastened upon him forever morc and in after years could make brave speeches telling how he helped to crush Spain But if he is going into the service he should have motive higher than this. By clinging, with doubtful tenure to civil office, and limiting at the probability of return to it, he shows that he lacks the essentials of the army man. He must be either soldier or civilian. In try ing to be both he will fail douby.
The San Francisco call., 1898-06-30
aRMY CONTRACTS AND CooLIELAB

INCE newspaper in this city, the Bulletin,
 has been found to discourage the efforts now
 being made to put stop to the employment ot Chinese labor on army contracts, it is more inn portant than ever to push the good fight begun by tue white labor unions, and to aid them in accom- plishing the purpose for which they began it.
 The only argument by which the Bulletin has sought to sustain the extraordinary policy it has adopted IS that agitation the subject may produce what It calls 'great rumpus' and thereby lead the Government officials to let no war contracts in San Francisco at all The argument is not only un sound but is hardly specious No profit is derived by the white workers of San Francisco from jobs let out to the sweatshops of Chinatown and nothing would be lost to them if such jobs were not given out in this city. As matter of fact, it would be better for our working men and women if the Gov ernment supplies were to be manufactured by white labor elsewhere rather than by coolie labor either here or anywhere.
 It is, of course, to be regretted that it has been necessary to have any agitation on the subject but the regret is not for the agitation but for the cause of it. It having been made known that a consider able proportion of the war contracts let in this citv are being filled by the employment of Chinese abor there was nothing left the labor councils but to pro- test against the wrong and make the protest known to the proper authorities. That is what they have done, and 1t is gratifying learn that they are in tair way to succeed in their efforts to put an end to the wrong San Francisco will lose nothing in any re- pect by the contest and has the prospect of winning much.
 It IS beyond all question that there is sufficient white labor in San Francisco to perform all the work required to fulfill every army contract let to our hid ders There are many large establishments here employing none but white labor that could readily handle the orders given for uniforms Even # +b. present force of employees in these places shopd he insufficient to perform the work in the short space of time allowed, it would te easy to obtain additional workers There are plenty of white men and white girls here who would be glad to have steady work at good wages. There is, therefore no excuse for the employment of Chinese, and the Bulletin, in mis- representing the protest of the labor councils and The Call is simply giving sneaking support to the cooes.
The San Francisco call., 1898-06-30

personally by the inspector general. He asked them questions of different kinds to bring out their knowledge of English or their lack of it; their business, their earning capacity and whether they. were citizens or not. This took the best part of two hours. Then. with them standing
 Following this, General Carter explained their duties as to drill, and, said ii 1t was va desired to proceed to an election or oI1l, and the election held then; The notice being waived, General Carter proceeded to an election with this result:
 For captain, Samuel H. Borofsky; nrst lieutenant. William Morris; second lieu tenant, Morris Silverstein. Captain Borof7 sky is a member of the Common Councll from ward 6.
 The men of this company are bright, clean-looking lot, of the age most sulta- ble for military service. Some or them them in the Russian army and one in the army of Standardization Herald.
The San Francisco call., 1898-06-30
A COMPANY OF HEBREWS.

The Sixth Company of Infantry, Mass achusetts provisional militia, was mus tered into the service of the State last evening at the South Armory by Inspec- tor General Carter This is the first com pany of it's makeup that has ever taken service with the militia of the State. Therefore, there was much interest taken by military men and others in the even ing's proceedings. The company is al- most entirely made up of young men of the Hebrew persuasion, and a majority are evidently citizens through naturaliza- ton. General Carter was very careful throughout the evening to impress the men with an idea that in joining the miIi
 tia they were taking a step of much mo- ment, and the recruits evidently appre- ciated the fact. Before the muster the men assembled in the large drill hall oF the armory, where they were examined
The San Francisco call., 1898-06-30
origin of Uncle Sam as applied to the e,nTernrnent of the American people.

X CATHOLIC CoLONY-A correspondent from Salinas City kindly informs K K. of Azusa that there is the St, Joseph German Catholic colony eight miles east of Salinas which is engaged Tn raising sugar beets If K. K. will write there he will no doubt receive the lnioTnallon he seeks Address, "St. Joseph Colony Salinas, Cal"
 CHESS PLAYERS-G. L. D., Camp Merritt, City There are number or crack players who assemble for play at the Mechanics Institute Library ana at the Mercantile Library.
 THE HEIR APPARENTLY. T. Me, Auburn, Cal. The heir apparent to the throne of Great Britain after the Prince or Wales IS George Frederick Ernest Al bert, Duke of York the son of the Prince ot Wales born June 3, 1865.
 ENLISTING IN THE NAVY-A. S., City. man who enlsts in the navy for three years, not exceeding five years in case Of war, means that he enlists for three years, at which time he is entitled to be discharged, but if the war should continue he would have to continue in the service, but not beyond five years. If the war should terminate before the three years the Government would have the right to give him his discharge.
 FEES FOR SHIPPING+F. A. City. This correspondent asks: Docs the Gov ernment allow transports to charge S5 for shipping fees and $20 advance It was done on the Indiana, Ohio and Nor gan City, but it was not done as to the other transports" The United States Shipping Commissioner says that the charging of fee of s was illegal, but that the allotment of S20 was proper. He added that if he will be furnished proof that any one charged $5 as shipping fees he will take great pleasure in laying the matter before the United States District Attorney for prosecution under a section of the Revised Statutes.
 TEMPERATURE AT MANILA AND CUBA-Temp, and Reader, City. At Manila, Philippine Islands, the mean monthly temperature is 80. In the warm est month it is S2, and in the coolest 79 The highest temperature in the past ten years and only once, in May, was loo and the lowest in the same period was in December, 50. At Matanzas, Cuba, the highest ever reached was 100, lowest 57, average IS; at Havana in ten years past the mean temperature is 76.S, high est 100.6, lowest 49.6; at San Juan, Puerto Rico, mean 7S9, highest 100.8, lowest 561; at Santiago de Cuba the average tenn perature is so. with a variance of 6. There is a great deal of moisture in the atmosphere. July is the Warmest month and then the temperature rises to 83.5 and its lowest register in that month is S1.7.
The San Francisco call., 1898-06-30
THE PRICE WE PAY.

Our flag has flown for a hundred years, For century flown--unrurled. It has proudly laughed at the coward s
 fears,
 It has won the pride of the world. It was flung to the breeze at Bunker Hill With faith and fighting and prayer If blood be the price of Liberty,
 Lord God! we paid it there. To thy honor and glory, Lord, 1t waved In the Mediterranean Sea; It conquered the Tripoli pirates, Lord All honor and praise to Thee. It humbled the pride of the Algiers Dey, It cleared thy roads of sin. If blood be the price of Liberty, If blood be the price of Liberty,
 Lord God! we have paid 1t in.
 When in 1872 our ancient foe
 Dared us once more to fight, Our flag went as far as a flag could go In the cause of just and right Battered and shattered with shot and
 shell
 It laughed at the foemans rage If blood be the price of Liberty, If blood be the price of Liberty,
 Lord God! we have paid the wage. We carried the flag to Monterey,
 And we carried 1t back in pride. We knew the price we should have to pay, and they paid the price who died They, lie meath Mexico's tropical sky, And we honor their names to-day, If blood be the price of Liberty, If blood be the price of Liberty. Lord God! did we grudge the pay? In a glorious cause-to make men free, Kin against nearest kin, We fought, o Lord, by command of Thee, And to clear our land of sin. Our country groaned with the horror and
 grief
 Of mothers, of children, of wives; If blood be the price of Liberty, If blood be the price of Liberty,
 Lord God! did we stint our lives? From an isle in the sea we heard the cry Of woman and child In pain, And our country's best are marching to
 die, Or to humble the pride of Spain
 flies,
 Is forever the land of the free; If blood be the price of Liberty, If blood be the price of Liberty, If blood be the price of Liberty, Lord God! we have paid it to Thee!
 Hector Fuller in Indianapolis News.