The record-union., 1899-05-11

CALIFORNIA WANTS HIM FIRST.
Admiral Dewey is to come home for
a long rest. That is settled, and all
good Americans will rejoice over the
news. But it is stated that the Olym-
pia, which will convey him, will come
by the Suez route, for the reason that
work is in such a. crowded condition at
Mare Island in this State that the ship
could not receive there the speedy over
hauling she needs, she having been
longer in service than any other of
the Asiatic fleet. 1t is said, also. that
Admiral Dewey wishes to travel the
longer route to observe the countries
passed through.
But movement is afoot in San
francisco to induce the Admiral and
the Government to change plans so
that the hero of Manila Bay may come
home across. the Pacific, touch our
shores first in California, and then take
his course for New York across the con-
tinent, that he may be greeted by the
to see him. That this change shall be
effected is the desire of all the people
west of the Great Lakes. OF that
there can be no doubt whatever There
come this way. The troops that went
to his aid first came from the Pacific
shores. With the exception OF one
small command the first volunteers to
step out and beg to be sent to sustain
Dewey were Californians The Olym-
pia, the Adndrals flagship, was built in
this State, launched into our waters,
and here should be her home coming
But above all, the people Of the Pa
cific Coast have greatest and strong
est claim to be the first to welcome
George Dewey because it was to save
their coasts from desolation by Span
ish men-of-war that he destroyed the
eneny's fleet in Manila Bay, and this
people have first and strongest claim
in gratitude to welcome him home. Be-
sides these considerations. it is to be
added that the Pacific route is the
shorter and by far the more pleasant
the passage through the Red Sea in
summer is dangerous because of the
excessive heat and the scorching blasts
from the deserts of Africa. 1t is said
that no large ship passes through that
ordeal of fire in the heated season with
out losing five or six persons by death
due to ths suffocating atmosphere.
Two thirds of the passage by the long
route viii be through torrid atmos-
pheres; by the shorter route the travel
is one-half through temperate and
cool air. refreshing and invigorating.
Certainly repairs to the Olympia can
.be preferred at Mare Island by official
order, and thus her refitting for sea
be assured in good time. Then, too
Admiral Dewey knowing we'll that his
fellow citizens are not man worship
pers, but are manly and sincere in their
patriotic desire to welcome him. should
reflect that by crossing the continent
he win meet more of his brethren and
crafty them, and at the same time
satisfy himself concerning public sen.
timent as to the course of his country
in the Philippines.
He can come our way and reach
New York to sit at the great banquet
prepared for him there more easily
and pleasantly than by taking the
longer route, and for that matter more
safely. State, municipal, town, COM
mercial. social and other bodies and
authorities should now unite with the
San Francisco movement to induce the
admiral and Secretary Long to change
the program. understood to be in con-
temptation. California wants Dewey
first, and she ought to be gratifed in
that commendable and patriotic desire
The party who imported a group OF
Filipino men, women and children as