The San Francisco call., 1904-03-13
StaIWarts Gather
at the Banquet
Board.
Speakers Express
Certainty of
Triumph.

The opening Of the Republican cam
paign was celebrated by the members
Of the Union League Club and their
friends at a banquet in the Palace Ho-
tel last night Covers were laid for
more than 200, and enthusiasm pre-
vailed from the moment Colonel Pippy
read President Roosevelt's message Of
regret at being unable TO be present
until the last speaker concluded his ad-
dress and the long drawn notes Of the
orchestra signifed that the feasting
and toasting had ended
1t was a notable gathering and the
feeling Of the Republican politicians of
the State toward the administration
was clearly shown. Veterans such as
Jacob II. Nen rubbed elbows with the
younger men who are about to throw
all their virile energy into the coming
.Campaign and the name Of Roosevelt
always ELECTED spontaneous outbursts
of applause.
colonel George H Pippy was a clever
toastmaster and a better selection of
speakers could hardly have been made.
While in the main the responses were
serious, dealing with questions Of grave
import to the nation, there was a sgffi-
cient sprinkling Of wit and humor to
keep all in happy mood. The actions
Cf President Roosevelt and his
straightfOrward policy in matters Of
state were commented upon favorably
and tender references were made to
the party leaders who have passed
from this earth since the last campaign
President William Mckinley and Sen
atOr Marcus A Hanna At the close
rousing cheers were given for the Pres
ident, the party and its workers. and
the gathering broke up, each man de-
termined TO do his best to make the
coming campaign the most vigorous
in the history Of the country.
HONOR TO ROOSEVELT.
When the time for speechmaking ar
rived Colonel Pippy read the following
telegram from President Roosevelt:
Many thanks for the telegram. I re-
member well my last meeting with you.
Sorry cannot be with you. Ny regards
TO all"
This was received with great enthu-
siasm and ringing cheers for the chief
executive. Colonel Pippy followed by
reading a telegram from William NJ
Cutter. chairman Of the Republican
State Central Committee Of California.
Il ran as follows: 7 regret exceedingly
that circumstances beyond my control
prevent my presence at the club ban
ouet tonight, but consider me with
you in spirit and as heartily joining in
the toasts 70 our beloved President,
Theodore Roosevelt, and to the grand
party which he viii lead to certain VIC
tory in the coming campaign" Colonel
Pippy then announced that the speak
ers would each be allowed ten minutes,
as the list Of takers was a long one.
He referred TO the Union League Club
as being solid for the Republican ticket
from top to bottom, and said California
was sure 70 keep her place in the right
lines. he then proposed the toast
Theodore Roosevelt, the President of
the United States" and called upon
Governor Pardee 10 respond. The Gov
ernor received an ovation as he arose.
He said IN part:
feel greatly honored at being asked 70
reply 70 this toast. but fear 1 am IN no
way equal 70 the task Of doing honor TO the
greatest man IN the world to-day. Great
oheerinE) when i learned that President
Roosevelt was coming 70 visit this State I
ing the time he was in California with
him ten twelve days and I had every op-
porrurity 70 know him well. At first ] ad-
mired hirn the worthy chief executive OF
cur nation. and then / grew 20 love the man
who was not spoiled by the high honors that
had been put upon him. Above all he Is an
American cittzen-a citizen who loves his
country and has all the true characteristics
~ great man OF the American people. He
ie TIE great uDholder of the nation. lie IS
reliable able 10 cope with any contingency
either in time of peace OF time OF war He
ls the representative American citizen. Let
Us az rise 20 do honor 10 his name. 10 the
most distinguished fnan OF day and 70 the
hrst gentleman OF our country.
When the cheering had subsided the
Union League Club quartet sang The
Star-Spangled Banner"
WORK THE WATCHWORD.
The subject OF The National Cam
palgn" was handled by Judge w. c.
Van Fleet. lie said in part:
VIII give you brief outline Of som. sus-
Iestions made 70 me by the late Senator
Hanna. whc when asked 10 give his views
ppon The lines of the coming campaign said in
views IN very few words. n Is ~. q on- -s
ton ot Issues. because ours have already heev
formulated. ano We meet the Denocratfo
party on any platform they may put IN What
we have got 10 do is 10 work-stand nat an
the principles Of the Republican nart,, "a "a
palEn.' iN
We in fine condition for the fight NJ
have nothing 10 regret The Democrats No -
cannot win with Bryan and he cannot ,-ta
without the Democrats We have our isss
chosen. We are bound TO win Abouf e,
Ereat victory there Will be no oueefso, NJ