The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-05-29
THE DEWEY STATUE FUND.

N URING the present week, and probably begin
ming to-day, the task OF gathering contributions
- for the Dewey statue fund will go briskly for
ward The observance Of Memorial day WILL OF course
suspend the work for time but the patriotic mem
cries OF the day far from interfering with the
ment will augment its force by revving in the public
mind and heart those sentiments and feelings of 10y
atty and love for the heroic brave, to which the pur
pose of erecting a monument in comnemoration of
the victory at Manila directly appeals
The committee in charge of the enterprise begins
the canvass for contributions with $4,000 subscribed
on the first day. That is one-fourth of the entire
amount at which the cost of the monument is esti-
mated, Such subscribed at once is a virtual
guarantee OF the success OF the movement. 1t is
assurance TO the public that the promoters of the
terprse in earnest and that they willing to
give freely OF their money as well as their time and
their energy to bring it to a speedy and triumphant
conclusion
Several efforts which have been undertaken to raise
money in this city for monuments have thus far failed
and remain hardly than subjects OF talk and dis
custom For that reason some persons have doubted
whether the present movement would be successful
The splendid subscriptions of Friday prove all such
doubts to be unfounded. man need not be very
sangune optimist a very ardent patriot to have
faith in the enterprise. The erection of the
can be- and every citizen contribute to it in pro-
portion to his means with full confidence that the
work OF erecting the is be postponed
some indefinite date in the dim future, but will be
under way before popular interest in the matter either
fades or flags.
1t will be remembered that for years before any
thing was accomplished there talk of constructing
competing railway down the San Joaquin Valley
Such road was in every way desirable and promised
to be profitable but for long time no one could be
induced to undertake it. At last Mr.. Claus Spreckels
came forward, assumed leadership and responsibility
in the enterprise subscribed for large OF
stock, and at the construction of the road was
assured. AS matter of fact, it undertaken and
pushed forward with an energy and rapidty almost
unparalleled in the history of railway construction.
Something OF similar nature will be seen in the
work of raising what will be the notable monu-
mental work the Pacific Coast and of the state
hest in America. Men do not hesitate to support
great enterprises when we'll assured that something
will be achieved and that they have in the
present The list OF contributions has been headed
by Claus Spreckels with $4,000. Mayor Phelan
promptly followed the lead with contribution Of
$4,000, John W. Mackay contributed $4,000 and "a
friend added $4,000 more, making the total of SIS 900
with which the committee begins its work.
Upon this showing OF contributions already made
it will be that citizens not be asked to sub
scribe to doubtful undertaking. 1t may be regarded
as certain that the great admiral whose
victory has marked the beginning of new epoch in
American history will be erected in San Francisco
within the future, and every citizen who feels
within him either national patriotism civic pride
will be glad to be abe,to contribute to it.