The San Francisco call., 1898-05-28

tered. It was easy to read In the beam- ing faces.
 The elaborate and extensive pro- gram1ne of the day was carried out to a letter, with only a slight delay in the beginning, this being caused by the failure of the Valley road excursion to arrive at the time expected. This bore officials of the road and other guests. The days programme was begun with a procession of trades and ended with Home. Sweet Home" at the conclu- sion of a grand ball in the evening. The procession was a most gorgeous one the finest one we have seen yet, said the officials of the Valley road and other prominent visitors. It was fully mile in length and represented every phase of industry in Kern County.
 Strange to say, one of the most gor- geous and attractive features of the procession was represented by Chinese citizens. It was, indeed, brilliant in it's oriental magnifcence. More than POO Chinamen, who participated, were adorned in rich silks of gorgeous col ors, and all had something to carry and do. They had two bands and numer- ous noisy and squeaky instruments
 
 were great cars of fine ladies, chariots of Kings and Queens, Judges and war riors. The Great Dragon led the di- vision and was the center of much in terest. All the trappings had been brought from San Francisco and Chi nese merchants here had to give bond of S500O for their return. For weeks local Chinamen have been wild with interest in the celebration, and from the fronts of their buildings waved American flags. Hundreds of dollars were spent by them and they appeared eager to contribute. Bakersfield con- tains a population of 1500 Chinese and many of them are wealthy and control large trades. They are, therefore, in- terested in the progress of the co ln- try.
 Another feature which excited much Interest was a division of 200 horsemen, most of whom were MeXicans, all robed In Mexican costume. The trades dis nlav was simply grand-wheat, beef. pork. mutton, alfalfa, lumber, mining and other noted products of Kern County being conspicuously displayed, and many visitors wondered at the richness indicated.
 The procession started al the Valley Road depot at 10:30 and wound through various streets It then passed in re- view at the Arlington Hotel corner, on inc balcony of which stood the guests ,f honor. After passing this point It dfsbanded, and speeches were maoe from the balcony of the hotel. Ihese were delivered by Senator ;. C- SInlth' his being the address of welcome; Hon. E. F. Preston, in behalf or the Ies HaheS Road Mayor Snyder Of Los Angeies' for the people of that city; Mayor Phe- Ian. for San Francisco, and lion: C- C. Wright. for the Merchants and Manu- lecturers Association Of Los AhseleS' Hon. J. w. Mahon presided ana lntro- duced the speakers.
 The crowd stood in the street pelo" and gave the utmost attention. oena- tor Smith, after extending a hearty welcome to the assembled throng, gave little railroad history, and then heart fly expressed the appreciation or Kern County at the coming Of the NalIey Road He characterized the event as the most far reaching in the history or the valley and State, and one Whicn would prove a blessing to unborn gen erations as well as to the living. lie believed the people would give the road their most sincere support. Senator Smiths eloquent words were applauded vigorously.
 Following Senator Smith came Hon. E F Preston While the gentleman was slightly indisposed, he made most eloquent address. and it set the crowd wild He expressed his appre- riatfon at the magnificent interest shown at the coming of the Valley Road. and assured the people the road meant to do it's part, and expected them to do theirs.
 Then came Mayor Snyder of Los An peles. The Mayor gave many compli- nentary words to Bakersfield and the Valley Road, and referred to the great advantages the road brought to their ,ounty. He extended the good will of Los Angeles and spoke encouragingly If the completion of the road to this