The San Francisco call., 1904-09-10

FETE is HELD
IN OAKLAND
Great Parade the
Feature Of the
Day.
Officers of State
and City Join
i'm Event.

OAKLAND. Sept Oakland was
turned over 10 the Native Sons Of the
Golden West to-day for 4 royal COM
fneinoration of the fifty-fouTth ami
varfary of California's admission TO
the Union u WAS the FIRST celebration
~ this event ever held in Oakland. and
the city made up lis mind that il was
eoius a. make the day memorable. not
alone 10 the visiting Native Sons. but
20 al others who shcSld come within
its gates
But while this was the general cele-
luatiOn Of the birthday Of the State,
there was still another gathering Of
Naive Sons ard Daughters. which was
held az tho ST Louis exposition under
the auspices of Charles l.. McBsugh
lin. grand president Of the Native Sons
of the Golden West. Oakland did not
forget 10 recognize this and the fol-
lowing telegram was sent TO St Louis
to-day;
Charles l. Mclaughlin. Grand President n.
3 - W California Building. St Louis Expo
aifion. Greeting from 5000 Native sons and
Daughters assembled 10 celebrate Californis's
L. y. CoBBLEDICK. Chairman.
D. p. GARRISON. Secretary.
G.. H MASON, Assistant Secretary.
Oakland to-day was stormed by Ma
tive sons in uniform, Native Daughters
in light dresses. and miscellaneous Wis
itors IN every kind Of garb possible.
from the uniformed members of the
knights Templar 10 the scanty suits OF
the participants in the boating races
on Lake Merritt. Everybody who Wis
ited Oakland made himself at home and
everybody who was in Oakland exerted
himself 10 make the visitors comforta-
ble in spite OF the weather.
The parade surprised even those who
had planned il. II was an event of
which Oakland can be proud. for ii
WIS twice as long as was expected and
contained more attractions than even
the committees planned for. The mem
hers of the local parlors. who arranged
the celebration. were dumfounded at
the number of visitors. Arrangements
had been made for 1000 men and women
in line. hut the number that paraded
through the streets Of Oakland more
than doubled the original estimate. lt
was this fact that caused several veXa-
tious delays on the line OF march. The
officers Of the parade were not pre-
pared 70 handle the number Of men,
bers OF the two orders that presented
themselves. and several stops had to
be made when turns and counter
marches took place.
In spite of all this, and in spite of
the hottest day that Oakland has seen
for many years. the visiting Natives
MeAN q EAffA AaN- NJ idAaAt Mdc AAlA
of variety. There were many different
ard attractive uniforms and many fea-
tures. The Native Daughters. particu-
larry. added TO the beauty of the pa
rade by their light dresses and bright
appearance. Add 10 this the presence of
Governor George c. Pardee, who had
returned to his old home, and other
celebrities Of both State and national
Importance, who were present, and the
celebration assumed unwonted impor
tance. Governor Pardee was repeatedly
cheered along the route by his former
townsmen. who recognized him and
wished to him honor.
After the parade the visitors scat
tered. Some went 10 the literary eXer-
cises az the High School building. and
many TO the regatta at Lake Merritt.
The racing men all declare that Lake
Merritt is the ideal place for a regatta.
The water rs still and offers all con-
testants alike a fair chance. while any
number of spectators can find places
upon the banks Of the lake from which
TO witness the races.
There were many who did not wish
"a see the races. however. and the Oak
land lodge II Elks threw open it's hand
some rooms and welcomed everybody
All afternoon the rooms were crowded
and the Elks made good their reputa-
tion FOR hospitality by the way in
which they welcomed the visiting Ma
tiVes on behalf Of the city Of Oakland.