The record-union., 1899-08-25

ers on shore, but suddenly eyes, more
keen than others, sighted the Sherman
and an escort of tugs nearing the har-
Dor, and then all interest in the gaily
decorated yachts was for the time lost.
Every face was turned toward the
ocean. Nearer and nearer the big white
steamer came, and closer and closer the
two fleets came toward each other The
two Strings of yachts and the tugs
reached the turning point opposite the
fort first, and took up their places,
leaving a broad ribbon of water be-
tween the lines for the Sherman to
pass through to the head of the pa
geant.
AS the Sherman approached the Gate
the land batteries belched forth in a
national salute, and the bay steamers
took up the signal with their sirens.
Pandemonium reigned.
Nearer and nearer the welcome vessel
came, and at last pushed her prov into
the space left for her, and such a
scene occurred as has never been seen
on this coast before. Flags dipped
flags were waved, whistles screamed
cannon were fired, trumpets were blown
and megaphones and marine glasses
were turned on the delighted boys who
crowded the rigging of the great steam
er. The signal was given to the fleet
of yachts and tugs to get under head
way just in time for them to fall into
the wake of the transport, which, of
course, was given the place of honor.
Slowly the fleet moved along with the
transport. 1t seemed as if every float
ing thing on the bay had been pressed
into service. The fleet gathered
strength in numbers as it arrived well
inside the bay. 1t was a grand sight,
and one never to be forgotten.
The gallant Californians on the trans
port seemed wild with delight over the
reception given them. They cheered
and cheered, waved flags and handker-
chiefs and caps and even their coats in
their excitement AS the fleet swept
past the seawall the din became more
and more deafening, and the waving of
flags more frantic. The people were
mad, it seemed but never have Cali
fornians had the opportunity to well
come their own kin from the wars. If
they really lost control of themselves
for the time, excuses are plentiful, but
under all this great feeling of gladness
are memories, dear to all, of those poor
brave fellows who have given up their
lives and their all for the love of their
country and the defense of their flag
The realization of their loss has not
been lost for all time; it is but buried
under the avalanche of joy which to-
day greets the brave sons who have
been spared to return to their homes to
once more take up the duties of do
mestic life where they were cut short
by the call of their country for their
aid.
The morning papers here evidently
determined to boycott Governor Gage,
or ignore him entirely. Last night he
went out on the State tug Governor
Markham, accompanied by the Adju-
tant General, Secretary of State, Con-
gresham Kahn, General Warfeld and
staff, General Muller and staff and
various State officers, and officially well
coined the returning volunteers to the
State. The soldiers We're lined up on
the transport and cheered the Governor
again and again, but not one of the
morning papers of this city yesterday
mentioned the Governor or the fact that
he had visited the transport at all.