The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1899-12-21
The Semi Centennial Anniversary Of
Its Establishment
Appropriately Celebrated at San Jose, the
Old Capital City.
Eloquent Address on the History
Of California Delivered by Hon.
e. w. McKinstry-The Jubilee
Festivities to Continue To-Day,
Beginning With a Big Parade
at IL o'clock.

SAN JOSE, Dec. 20.-The celebra-
ton of the golden jubilee of the in
stitution at San Jose of the Califor-
MIA State Government opened to-day
with great attendance, there being
many distinguished pioneers from all
parts of the State and country. The
reproduction of the State Capitol
building was a central attraction. Many
pioneers who have not been here since
the days Of 40 declare that it is a fine
reproduction Of the original.
The celebration opened at 10 o'clock
this morning with the planting of a
memorial sequoia tree in the City Hall
Park, near the Capitol building. Mayor
G. J. Martin and Major E. A. Sher-
man officiated and made addresses. A
me original poem was read by Pro-
lessor C. H. Allen.
Inc tree planting was accompanied
with the booming of cannon, band
playing and a demonstration of ap-
plause. The earth placed at the roots
OF the tree is from many historic spots
IN this State and country. 1t is ex-
pected that the tree will be a great
and hourishing one at the centennial
celebration of the institution of the
Government of the State
The Santa Clara County pioneers
kept open house throughout the day.
and far into the night at their head
quarters at Sleeper Hail. A great
banquet was served Immediately after
the tree planting ceremonies. The spac-
ious auditorium was filled at the COM
memorative Inauguration ceremonies IN
the afternoon.
Samuel w. Boring called the great
assemblage to order, and introduced
Mayor Charles ]. Martin. Mayor Mar
tins address was often interrupted by
applause and was followed with dem
onstration and music by Conterno's
Fifth Regiment Band.
The address of welcome was respond
ed to in behalf of the military author
tues by Colonel Joseph Stewart. U. s.
A, retired. Colonel Stewart appeared
In full regimentals. bearing a sword
He is one of the oldest pioneer soldiers
on the coast, and fitting representa-
tive of the first military and Civil Gov
ernor of the State, General Riley.
Others to respond to the welcome
We're: Colonel Wellington C. Burnett
President Of the Associated Veterans
OF the Mexican War. and Hon. Niles
Searls, President of the Society of CAL
ifornia Pioneers.
Kew. 5. II. Wiley, D. D., Chaplain of
the First Constitutional Convention at
Monterey offered fervent prayer ap-
propriate to the notable historic occa-
sion.
The introduction of the distinguished
1urist and pioneer citizen, Hon. E. w.
Mchlnstry was the signal for a demon
stration of enthusiastic applause. His
address was of thrilling interest. The
great events of the past of California
as regards the triumphs and sorrows in
the history of the State were referred
to feeiingly and eloquently He said in
part:
FIRST GOVERNOR UNDER THE
CONSTITUTION.
The meeting of the Legislature. in
conformity with the direction of the
Constitution, took place here in the an
Gent Pueblo de San jose Here the
Senate and Assembly attended the in
auguration and received the first mes
sage of a Governor of California for
mally elected by the voices of the SOW
ereign people. A man of rare abilities
pioneer Governor honored the position
he occupied. By reason of his services
as the Chief Executive, and subse-
quently as Justice of the Supreme
Court, he well deserved the gratitude
or later generations, as he enjoyed the
notable regard and respect of his con-
temporarfes; while his long career as a
private citizen was marked at every
pa w nj foe fofi -
of purpose always recognized, never
questioned. He was indeed that noblest
work, IAN honest man"--honest. not
merely in narrow commercial sense.
but in that he never failed to pursue his
convictions of right to their just con-
clusions- Such was the Hon. Peter H.
Burnett, the first Governor of Califor-
MIA under the written Constitution.
SAN JOSE IN 1919.
Doubtless there are persons here pres
ent who can recall the place of as
semblage of the Legislature of 1919
the first State house of California. A
two story adobe building, with a wood
en- piazza running along its front. it
stood on the side of the plaza. at one
end of which was the church where
worshiped nearly all the residents who
publicly worshiped at ALL Thither. OF
Sundays and holidays. wended men in
broad hats and sashes, slashed trousers
and many buttoned jackets, and danes
and maidens whose bonnetless heads
were covered by the graceful reboza.
When the Legislature met in 1919
the Mexican town extended for limit
ed space beyond the church Nearly
all the houses were made of adobes,
with tiled roofs, and of but one story
In elevation. There were tiendas, Of
fering for sale every variety of dry
goods and groceries consumed by the
natives, and fondas, which the ambi-
tious American hotels" had not yet
driven out of business. At prominent
corner was the panaderia, exhibiting
the tempting 1oaves of the country, and
a very important industry amongst a
people who spent much of their time
on horseback was that of the sillero, or
saddler. am sorry to add the carcel
occupied convenient place. >