The record-union., 1899-07-15

SAN FRANCISCO, July 14.-Not
since the departure of the regiment OF
California volunteers for the Philip
pines have the streets of San Fran
cisco presented such a scene of anima-
tion as they did to-day, nor have steam
whistles, cannon and bells created such
a rumpus-and all this in honor of the
returned regiment of Oregon volunteers
and California Signal Corps, who have
returned from foreign shores, after
fourteen months of hardship and fight
ing, some gaunt and sick. broken in
health and spirit, some bearing the
marks of Filipino bullets, others re-
turning to their native country full of
vigor and life, and even bettered by
their trying experiences in a tropical
climate and a vigorous charge against
the followers of Aguinaldo
The cause of the demonstration was
the landing of the Oregon volunteers
and the Californians, preparatory to
going into camp at the Presidio, and
the final mastering out, and then the
last stage of the journey to Oregon and
home.
Early in the day great crowds of peo-
pie commenced to gather along the line
of march, and on every crossing We're
lined up carriages, business buggies
and trucks, all freighted with anxious
people in waiting to add their hurrah
to the welcome given the returning
troopers. Factory whistles were blown
and the bay steamers added to the
shrieking; cannon We're fired at several
points, and bells rang out the welcome
of San Francisco to the Webfooters and
the small group of Native Sons who
made up the Signal Corps of the Cali
fornia regiment.
The crowds increased with every
minute and the minutes heightened into
hours almost before the first group of
soldiers left the transports. AS the line
heightened the waiting crowds became
fully aware that the men We're actually
in sight, and then the din and roar of
mechanical noises, mingled with the
cheers of thousands, made it seem as if
bedlam had really broken loose.
First in the line of march was Major
Noble. General Skaters aide, follow
ed by the band of the Third Artillery.
Then came GovernSr Geer of Oregon
and his staff. and followed by the Cali
fornians. who shared the cheers with
the Oregonians.
Then came the regiment headed by
Brigadier General Summer and it's
band. As the men marched company
front up the wide streets they made
splendid appearance. The ambulances
bearing the sick and wounded followed.
Then came Battery of the Third Ar
tillery.
All along the line of march the men
were cheered to the echo, and bands
hired by individuals played lively mu-
sic. AS the soldiers passed the Palace
Hotel they were deluged with flowers
thrown from the windows by the
guests At the junction of Third. Mar
ket and Kearney streets the crowds
were immense, and the three morning
papers who have offices on the corners
of those streets wed with each other
to see which could make the most
noise. A curious sight We're the long
streamers of immense firecrackers
which dangled from the roof of a high
buildings. AS the soldiers neared this
point the crackers were lighted, and
the racket they made was awful
General Shafter and his staff and
Governor Geer of Oregon and his staff,
and many notable army officers re-
viewed the parade as it passed up Van
Ness avenue toward the Preside. AS
the men passed the reviewing stand
they cheered continually.
When the Presidio was reached the
men were given a rest, and then COM
menced the work of going into camp.
Here they will rest under military dis
cipline for two or three weeks, when
the final mastering out will take
place, and then they will be sent to
their Northern homes by train.
At a late hour this afternoon the
Oregon volunteers made their appear
ance on dress parade at the Presidio.
They We're addressed by Governor Geer
of Oregon. In his address to the troops
Governor Geer said:
.aThe only unpleasant feature about
the reception is that it had to occur
on California soil. When l left Ore
gon with my staff to meet you here.
it was with the understanding that you
were to proceed Immediately to Van
couver Barracks, and there be mus
tered out When I went out to meet
YOU on the transports I found but one
opinion among you, and that is that
YOU should be mustered out in San
Francisco. When / found that this
was so I did what little I could do to
aid you in having this thing accom-
plished. That has been great dis
appointment to the people of Oregon,
but the disappointment is only tenn
porarv one At least / hope so. You
have conferred honor and renown on
the State of Oregon, and the people
are more than anxious to snow tneir
appreciation of your work. The state
of Oregon is proud of the record you
have made. and on behalf OF the peo-
ple of Oregon I think you.
Colonel Summers then stepped for
ward and said: ''All those who intend
returning to Oregon with the regiment
will raise their hands.
Nearly every right hand In the regi-
ment was raised. Perhaps twenty or
thirty of the men held their hands
down.
'sThe Governor thanks you, crleu
fhe Colonel. and there was great
clapping Of hands among the volun-
teers
Later in the evening the volunteers
were taken to the Mechanics pavilion.
where an elaborate repast bad been
prepared for them sy the ladies OF the
Red Cross Society," The big building
had been decorated for the occasion,
and the repast was in every respect