The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-01-12

really sensible talk of the day, but was
oUtnumbered. His theory was that the
talk would change no vote, that it would
be a gallery play, largely for the benefit
of reporters; it had the virtue of truth
to back it. Everybody who had ready a
speech roared in protest, but that which
Stratton in his haste had termed a
"wasteless use'' of time seemed to suit the
majority, and a shudder passed over the
throng. AS the discussion progressed
Shortridge, who had a seat near the
front, fell into a gentle and becoming
dose. He did not pose, for the Senator
from Santa Clara is free from affecta-
ton, but he settled back with the air of
a statesman aweary. AT intervals the
clamor of his necktie awoke him, and
then he placed his finger on his lips to
avoid shouting mo" on the motion to
limit nominating speeches.
Technically speaking" said Johnson Of
Sacramento, I'VE are not supposed to
know anything as to the speeches made
in separate sessions. I am willing to
waive the technicality and allow the rest
Of the proposition to stand"
At last the path to glory was cleared,
and Senator Smith arose to nominate U.
S. Grant. He made a good speech, but it
had no possible effect 1t was a fine trib-
ute to Grant, utterly devoid of the posi-
bility of winning vote for him.
Senator Wolfe spoke for Burns. Eddie
did well. He is master of fine heel and
toe movement but whether more elo-
quent when standing on his heels or when
reared on the pinnacle of rigid toe 1
am not able to say. He was handicapped
by his subject. He had to extol Burns as
cultured and educated, as q citizen OF
standing, as a soldier of renown, and the
fact that Burns has none of these quail
ties and is none of these things might
have ratified person of less gall. When
he said Burns was without spot or blem-
ish 1 wondered why Ananias had caught
such hard biff for fbbing, but when
he added that Burns was the choice of
San francisco, and the choice Of the
State which is even now ringing with de-
nunciation of him and his ways, Ananias
became gentleman of comparative We
racity. Eddie painted Dan as reformer,
a man of character, force and ability,
with the best citizens for his friends, and
decency staying up nights to pray for his
election. In other words, while the Sena-
tor did not make an ass of himself, he
in no manner married his reputation as
one already made It was a hard task
he had to perform, and that he performed
it without a blush proved him adapted to
a delicate and difficult situation. There
was applause when he finished. 1t came
largely from the gallery, where the CLAD
uers had secured seats.
Senator Simpson followed. He rambled,
verbose, through the corridors Of time
and threatened to infringe upon eternity.
He told about having, at the age of IA,
drawn his sword-probably tin one scab-
barded in his Christmas stocking, but
this is a mere matter Of detail. People
began to get tired and wish he had fallen
on the sword at revere Grant," said
Simpson, land Burns and men of that
class" This strikes me as a new class.
Grant has an apology due. Yet Simpson
comes from a Prohibition district Such
cheers as he got were in token Of Joy
that he had finished. I almost forgot to
say that his object was to nominate BuIla.
for whom he expressed love, and he had
love to spare. In fact, he was in a loving
mood. But Bulla deserved better luck
Cosper, Assemblyman from Kings Coup-