The San Francisco call., 1898-05-24

Perhaps San Francisco Is not easily aroused to an outward show of enthu- siasm. But yesterday it was aroused, not to clamor and tumult, but to the deeper emotion which finds expression in a farewell spoken brokenly, in the tear which none tries to conceal. A wave of patriotic fervor swept the community, thrilling every heart. The boys of the First California were on their way to war. People lined the streets to pay them as they passed the tribute of 8 flower, a hand-clasp, a sincere God bless you"
 It was not my privilege to see the boys leave camp, but only to watch with the throng at Third and Market streets No idle curiosity had collect ed that throng. I was proud to be one of 1t and to realize that In all the thousands there was a single seni- ment-only the desire to honor the soldiers. to let them know how they are loved of the people from among whom they go, and how the flags they bore held high the colors we all revere.
 Loyal and brave, they had an- swered the call of their country ready and eager to go -whither need might be- to meet, across a dreary waste of water. and under a tropic sun, foreign and merciless foe. They had not stopped to think of the danger the flag had been threatened; it was enough. So yesterday, when these gal lant young soldiers were marching away, the citizens turned out to see them. and saw them through misty eyes.
 Long before the time for the First to appear the corner at which they were to turn from Market to Third was crowded as it had never been before. From every window faces were peer ing. and the waving stars and stripes filed the air with radiance. There was 70 sign of inpatience save when the streetcars showed inclination to force 9 passage or some vandal driver sought to break into the press. Then tAe sOdily strength of the indignant observers intervened with a firmness little short of violence. There was a large proportion of women in the gath ering, and this was to have been ex- pected. They gave color and charac- ter to the vast assemblage. The shad- ow of the Red Cross fell upon the multitude. The noble workers who by this emblem signify the devotion which has wrought so much comfort, looked from their headquarters, cheering and weeping.
 High above, at regular intervals, a cannon at the very top Of the Spreck- els building boomed. It told that the boys had left camp, that they were coming. There was sound of whistles from the water front Now and then there would be a round of cheering. But 1t was not a noisy occa- sion. The emotion which held posses sion of men and women was not one which impelled to shouting
 A stir passed over the thousands standing there. a murmur as though each spoke to his neighbor. Some one had caught the note of the bugle or the first faint tap of the distant drum. Then was the tramp of many feet and the police making valiant show came in sight. The chatter of hoofs an- nounced the mounted escort Then again the steady tramp, tramp, a rattle of side arms, hats off and a round of cheers; the boys of the First were near They came, buoyant as for a holiday, erect and proud as beseemed heroes Their weapons were furnished, their faces aglow with a tender light Per haps in this demonstration there was to them a revelation. They must have been elated and happy, albeit leaving behind all they loved, for they were in the midst of friends. There was no possibility of precise military order. There Is nothing in the tactical manual