The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-10-02
A CALIFORNIA FEAST
OLD-TIME BARBECUE WITH SOME
POLITICS THROWN IN
COURT HOUSE PUSH ALL THERE
Likewise Those Who Are Out But
Want to Got INA Feast Of Wis
dom and Flow Of Soul

A genuine old-style California barbecue
and bulrs-head breakfast is a thing which
most Californbans of this day Know very
little about from actual experience. But,
through the hospitality of George carson,
ST., a Large number of local statesmen hao
the opportunity to see, and especia!i9
taste, for themselves yesterday the de-
lights, of one of those rare occasions.
The affair was given in the grounds OF
the old Dominguez ranch house. Of which
Mr. Carson Is the present owner. The list
of invited guests numbered 20, most Oh
them being Republicans, county nominees
and others, although a goodly number OF
Democrats, personal lends OF the host,
were on hand ard took am active part In
the festivities. Prominent among these
were Jim Hanley and John Hanselman.
Incidentally the candidacy of Ed Car
SON, son Of the host, for city auditor,
seemed to come in for good share Of con-
sideration.
1t was a merry crowd which gathered at
the Arcade station in the morning to take
the o'clock train for the ranch, which Is
about two miles south of Compton on the
San Pedro line. The first impression one
received upon Joining the throrg was that
the court house brigade was out on fur
Tough, so numerous were the clerks, depu-
ties and officials who belong to that mighty
army. And there were many others who
have designs upon court house Jobs, also
those who have loved and lost through the
heartless actions of the late Republican
county convention. But the troubles and
sorrows of the various classes seemed to
have been set aside for the day, and every
thing was lovely.
Supervisor Field was there, wondering
why he had not gotten team arid gone
out in the direction of the Domnguez ranch
on a road inspecting tour, instead Of con-
tributing his hard-earned cash to the up
building of Uncle Coils finances. Sur
veyor Wright was likewise cogitating on
the advisability of running few lines In
the same vicinity, for the benefit Of the
county, of course. But they changed their
minds, and got on the train with the rest
of the boys.
The two rear coaches were well filled
with passengers for Dominguez station,
and in the last one Dion Romandy and his
orchestra discoursed sweet music for the
edification of the pilgrims. Charles Bell
executed a skirt-dance and pigeon-wing in
the most approved Pasadena style. Others
contributed their share to the general en-
joyment en- route.
Over two hundred guests alighted at the
ranch station, and filed up the little hill to
the old hacie nda and down again into the
cool and shady glades of the miniature
forest of tall apple and olive trees. A more
beautiful and appropriate place for the
festivities could hardly be imagined. I'm
der the trees. some of which reach height
of over forty feet, were tables spread and
set. At one side was the barbecue pit with
the aged Mexican cooks turning the fra
grant, Juicy beef on willow spits over the
glowing coalsl This scene soon attracted
a large crowd Of interested spectators.
The quantity of good, hard apples on the
trees proved too great a temptation for
the mischievous spirits present, and soon
the air was full Of missiles. No casualties,
however, were reported, although hardly
anyone escaped bombardment Others of
a less pugnacious turn passed the time be-
fore dinner in strolling about the place.
Dinner found plenty Of hungry people
ready for 1t. The feast was as lavish in
quantity as 1t was excellent in quality
Two whole beeves had been roasted at the
pit, while thirteen bulls heads were added
as a sort of relish. Then there were tor
tillas, enchiladas, tamales, frijoles and
other dishes Of like character.
Drinkab1 were not lacking, either. Sew
eral kegs of beer had been cooling all the
morning, and Tommy Ocampo had con-
cocted some Of his own special mint julep.
Plenty of coffee was also provided. The
orchestra, posted in pavilion on the hill
Side. added its part to the general good
time. After the edibles had been disposed
Of, Major Ben Truman took up with eff
cheney the duties of toas tmaster. and intro
duced the. host, who responded briefly and
medestly. bidding all of his guests hearty
welcome. John F. Francis proposed a
toast to the memory Of Don Manuel Domin-
guez, the first owner of the great grant of
$500 acres, Of which the present Carson
rancho of 5000 acres is part
c. D. Willard, editor Of the Express,
spoke of the old-time settlers Of Southern
California.
Congressman Charles T. Joy Of Missouri,
chairman of the subcommittee on Mica
rauga canal in the house of representatives
was received with considerable enthusi-
assn. He spoke warmly of his love for CAL
ifornia, which is partly based on the fact
that he married lady Of this state. His
remarks on the subject Of the canal were
short, but in evident accord with the SEN
timents of his hearers.
!. w. Lord was introduced as the next
speaker. Now. Mr.. Lord is not in fact a