The San Francisco call., 1898-05-06
Populists Open Their Campaign With a De-
 sire to Mix.
Prospect That the Stalwarts Prefer the Middle of the
 Road.
Democrats Have Not Yet Made a Move in Alameda
 County
Oakland Office San Francisco Call,

Oakland Office San Francisco Call,
 90S Broadway, May 5.
 The Populists opened their campaign last night in this county. Since the lively times prior to the McKinIey-Bryan cam paign little has been heard oS the party, and it almost completely lost its identity in the celebrated fusion that did not fuse.
 In 1894, at the county election, the Popu- lists showed what might be called apnor- nal strength in this county. They elect ed the Sheriff, the County Treasurer and County Superintendent of Schools. and their organization was remarkably strong. Two years later the party fell into the fusion trap of the Democrats, and, as the fusion vote of Alameda Coun- ty for Bryan was not much larger than the ordinary Democratic vote, some sur prise was expressed and some curiosity evinced to know what had become of the Simon Pure Populists. Since that time till last night the party has been in se- clusion, but 1t is now coming to the front, and it is found that there is still strong fusion element in it, only this time the desire to fuse is not over a President, but a Governor. It seems to be conceded among the Democrats of Alameda County that Mcguire will be the candidate for Governor. There are many Popul1sts 1n this county who think enough Of Mcguire to want to fuse with the Democrats to se- cure his election. This element. ins the Populist party in Alameda County col lided very forcibly at the very first meet ing of the county committee held last night, with the stalwart Populists, who argue first, last and all the time in favor of keeping in the middle of the road
 The latter element is headed by pr. Oberg Of Temescal and A. A. BretZ, who figured once in the Assembly.
 F. J. Gregory is said to be the leader of the fusionists, and. at present there is no prospect of immediate harmony. The party evidently intends to get into the field early, for Chairman Gregory has al- ready appointed committee consisting of G. A. Toyne, Nj. J. Manson, F. B. draw up a call for the county conVen- ton.
 So far nothing has been heard from the Democrats of Alameda County. Whether the old factional strifes are still in eX- istence or whether the hatchet has been permanently buried cannot be told. But much discord within the ranks as there always has been.
 The Seventh Ward Republican Club will meet tomorrow evening In Judge Law rence's courtroom in East Oakland, and it is believed that an attempt will be made to unite the club with the Young Mems Republican Club of that ward. President H. B. Rowe has issued spe- cial notice for a full attendance. as he will appoint the clubs executive commit tee tomorrow night.
 Recruiting in Oakland.
 OAKLAND, May 5-Orders were re- ceived tonight from Colonel Fairbanks of the Fifth Regiment by the captains of Companies A and F to recruit to the full limit of 103 men each. Company A drilled tonight and already has ninety-nine men. The companies will be filled tomorrow.
 An investigation has been made into the insult to Colonel Fairbanks, whose pictures were turned to the wall and has been found that the work was done by some hotheaded members of Company A, who were also responsible for the un- seemly language written on the portrait in Company Fs room. The perpetrators of the deed will be punished.
 Took Tobin Unawares.
 OAKLAND, May SD. J. Tobin. a horseman, was arrested yesterday for battery upon the person of his Japanese cook. Deputy Constable Robinson went to his residence to serve the warrant, but was told that he could not, as 1t was in Contra Costa County. He returned to- ward home, but stopped when well out Of sight and tied his horse among some trees. He then hid along the road After a two hours wait he was rewarded by the appearance of MT. and Mrs. Tobin in their family coach, driven by a coach man. He stopped it and read the war rant in a loud tone of voice. Tobin was then compelled to go to Justice Law rence's court and put up bail money.
 Mrs. Mary E. Blake's Will.
 OAKLAN.J, May. 5.-Mrs. Helen F. Witcher and Miss Alice S. Blake, daugh- their mothers will for probate to-day. Miss Ethel Pomroy, a grandchild. is be- queathed $15 ,000; Miss Alice S. Blake, 100 shares of the capital stock of Blake, Moi fit & Towne, and household furniture. This is to equalize the gifts made during Mrs. Blake's lifetime to Mrs Helen F. Witcher, consisting of certain property in Oakland and the note of W. B. Witcher All of the residue of the estate Is to be divided between the two daughters, share and share alike. The value of the estate is unknown.
 Visiting School Teachers,
 OAKLAND, May 5.-.Sixty-eight teach CTS of Marin County, in charge Of Super the city early this morning and were met by City Superintendent McClymonds. They were divided into groups and di rected to the various schools. of grade similar to the ones in which they worked at home. Only the regular work was done, it being the desire of the teachers routine. Tomorrow they will make ex- tensive reports in the County Institute that is in session in San Rafael.
 Dr. Paterson Wins.
 OAKLAND, May 5.-Judge Greene ren- dered a decision this afternoon awarding Dr. k. M. Paterson Sl0UU TOT pTOIeSSlOndI services rendered Mrs. Dr. Harrington of Napa. The suit was brought to recover s5000 but the defendant denied that the services were worth that much, claim ing they were rendered out of professional courtesy Expert testimony was intro duced on both sides during the trial, sew eral hospital physicians of San Francisco being among them.
 Grand Fete Champetre.
 OAKLAND, May 5.-Extensive arrange ments are being made for the grand fete champetre to be given Saturday at the beautiful residence of MT. and Mrs. F. M. Smith. The fete is for the benefit of the Central Free Kindergarten and Ladies' Relief Society. It will last from to [ o'clock and there will be the battle of roses. Maypole dance. skipping the rope dance. refreshments of all kinds and the various sports for the children. San Francisco band will furnish music for the occasion.
 Stranger in Distress.
 OAKLAND, May 5.-A young woman. named Louisa Stella, is stopping with strangers at AIS Eleventh street. She is affiicted in such a manner that she is in capacitated for work. She is a recent arrival from Vancouver, with no friends or relatives An attempt was made to get her into the County Infiruary. but as she