The San Francisco call., 1899-10-13

x ALIFORNIA may have the honor Of
playing host TO the national lead.
ers Of both great political parties
in 1900. 1t is the opinion Of those
~ who are in close touch with the
condition Of political affairs in the East
that by proper effort San Francisco may
be made the seat of the next National
Republican and National Democratic con-
ventions This city made a bid for this
distinction some years ago, but had then
TO contend with conditions which have
since been eliminated.
At that time it was admitted that San
Francisco's claims were well founded, but
certain circumstances, due largely 10 her
geographical position. were against, her
Apprehension was felt that her hotel ac-
commodations would prove insufficient;
that large crowds could not be properly
handled: that telegraphic facilities were
INADEQUATE; that the distance from the
great centers Of population was too great
as too much time would have TO be con-
sumed in making the journey across the
continent; and political combinations hau
TO be made that precluded San Francisco
from carrying off the prize or beng
chosen the convention seat
Since that time San Francisco has had
ample opportunities to test most OF these
objections, and has most successfully
demonstrated that they do not, at least
at the present time, exist. The capacity
of the city and the ability of the people OF
San Francisco to take care OF large
crowds of visitors with comfort and saIety
was well illustrated during the convention
of the Christian Endeavor societies a lew
years ago, and more recently on the re-
turn of the California volunteers.
The telegraphic facilities of San Fran
cisco have also been put to the test, ana
were not found wanting. AS for distance
and time. these factors have peen SredIly
reduced in Importance by the changes IllL
have been made and are TO be made IN the
1ransportation Of passengers between the
East and San Francisco. The time from
chicago to San Francisco will be but three
davs. while the trip from New YORK the
other extreme of the continent, Will con-
sumo but an additional day.
II Is proposed to make the movement
to bring these great and influential bodies
Of men to California a strictly non-par-
+iean nroiect The object in view VIII
no +ba advancement of the material pros
,,ari+v of the State and its nelghoorlnS
commemorative by bringing their rlch
and tnnumerable resources TO the direct
attention of some of the men who are
most influential in the affairs Of the ma
ton. I'll, I'd;
viduaIs be interested and attracted by
the opportunities for investment on TINS
eide Of the Rocky Mountains, but much
will be done to impress upon pubic men
the needs of the coast in the way OF ap-
,,ropriations for public improvements ana
other national legislation
Congressman julius Kahn is enthusi-
astic over the project and is confident
that it can be carried to successful
consummation.
1T seems to me-" he said, that if San
Francisco has any intention of securing
the national conventions this is her op-
portunity. That Mckinley will be re-
nominated is practically conceded by
everybody The element of uncertainty
which makes it necessary for the Repub-
ucan convention to be held at some point
where the party managers are within
easy telegraphic communication with
other prominent men will be entirely
eliminated from the approaching conven-
ton. There is no uncertainty as to who
will be the Republican party nominee
and I am satisfied that San Francisco
can thus early secure the hearty CO.
operation of many of the national com
mitteemen if her citizens make an earnest
effort to secure the conventions.