The San Francisco call., 1904-03-16
CANAL COMMISSIONER GRUNSW IS H0N0RED GUEST
AT FAREWELL BANQUET GIVEN BY HIS FELLOW -C|TZ ZENS
Tribute of Respect
by Prominent San
FranCiscanS.

A great tribute of respect was paid
last night by nearly 500 leading San
Francisans to c. Ewald Grunsky, the
retiring City Engineer, whom Presi-
dent Roosevelt has named as mem
Der of the Isthmian Canal Commits
sion. The citizens banquet to the new
Commissioner was one of the most en-
thusiastic and successful testimonials
of esteem ever given to a citizen of
San Francisco. The address in Mr..
Grunsky's honor testified without ex-
ception to his modest but eminent
worth and his thorough fitness for the
great work to which he has been
called. His own speech was short.
dealing pointedly with municipal
questions in which he was interested
while in office here and with the prob
lens to be met at Panama. The ad
dress of the former City Engineer,
who is about to leave San Francisco
for Washington, was cheered to the
echo.
The ballroom at the Palace Hotel,
where the banquet was held, was
handsomely decorated with palms for
the occasion, while color was given
to the tables by masses Of brilliant
flowers. When the elaborate dinner
was dispatched James d. Phelan, the
POSTMASTER of the evening, began the
speaking. saying in part;
This is a spontaneous testimonial to Mr..
Grunsky (cheers). and no more genuine tribute
modest and so worthy. We are here not only
10 honor our retiring City Engineer, but to
thank the President Of the United States pro
longed cheersl for the honor he has conferred
san Francisco in selecting OF cti-
zens to represent the Pacific Coast on the 18TH
mian Commission. The work of this board Will
be one Of the great achievements in the worlds
history. a matter so important that it has
wisely been taken out Of the realm Of politics
Mr. Grunsky is well known for his modest
worth. he is man who has been found faith
charge Of great things. The palm goes to the
man who deserves. (Applause) l have had
the honor TO be associated with him in some OF
his undertakings. He gave his valuable advice
and suggestions in the matter Of city char
ter In the important post Of City Engineer he
planned and constructed a system of water
the Serras and now he leaves US perfected
sewer system and in many other departments
are equal marks Of his competency and zeal.
Mr.. Phelan read the following tele-
graphic correspondence:
March IS 19o4
u g.
hundred citizens. representing commercial and
scientific bodies, at banquet in honor of
Isthmian Canal Commissioner Grunsky send
greetings 10 the President and offer their re-
spectful congratulations on the wisdom Of his
choice and thank him for the honor done their
JAMES D. PHELAN. Chairman.
WHITE HOUSE. WASHINGTON. D. C,
March Is.
Hon. James D. Phelan, Chairman.
Palace Hotel San Francisco
Please convey assembled guests my hea ~
greetings and best wishes
THEODORE ROOSEVELT.
SACRAMENTO. Cal. March IS. 1904.
James D. PheIan, Grunsky Banquet
Palace Hotel san Francisco
l regret exceedingly my inability to be pres
ent. California has Just cause for pride that
Of her citizens has been chosen for 50 i'm
portant a position and one requiring so great
talents as that of Canal Commissioner In
and appreciates. the President has secured the
services Of one whose presence Will compel re-
spect The nations gain is our loss Hail and
GEORGE C. PARDEE.
Other letters of regret and congratu-
lation were read from Mayor Schmitz,
II. H. de Young and Otto Won Geldern.
1t had been intended to have Gov
ernor Pardee respond to the toast
California" In his absence Frank D.
Short of Fresno was called upon and
responded in his usual happy style
CHEERS FOR ROOSEVELT.
Toastmaster Phelan's introduction of
Chief Justice Beatty TO the toast of
The President" was followed by
great outburst Of applause, with shouts
of three cheers for Roosevelt! re-
peated in all parts of the assembly At
the close OF Justice Beattys forceful
address the entire audience rose and
drank the Presidents health. The
Chief Justice said among other things:
In the selection Of the Panama Canal Com
mission President Roosevelt has performed one
of the most important acts Of his administra-
tion and his Will command the ap-
proVal Of thoughtful men irrespective Of party
He has acted with regard to merit rather than
politics Our Presidents patriotism is unlver-
sally recognized.
Marsden Manson of the Board of
Public Works was the next speaker.
proposing the toast Our Isthmian Ca
nal Commissioner He said:
President Roosevelt recognized he could do