The San Francisco call., 1905-08-30
Splendid Structure
Now Ready for
Occupancy.
Building Is Finest
of Its Kind in
the World.

san Francisco opened her new post
oflce building yesterday afternoon. In
this magnificent creation of twentieth
century architecture, q Government tenn
Die fashioned in rarest marble and
trimmed with costIiest woods. touched
everywhere with colorings Of thu highest
artistic delicacy, solid as the mighty nat
Gral mountains Of the earth, the splendor
OF whose beauty far surpasses even the
tonoest dreams Of King Solomon in plan
ling his historic monument TO the power
Of the Lord. 5000 loyal citizens of Califor-
ma gathered TO express in a small way
their qualification at the completion OF
the finest postofiice building in the world.
IL was a glad day for San Franciscans.
For years they fought TO get the needed
appropriation from Congress. ana when II
finally did come there We're more years OF
kaitng for the completion of the struc-
ture. Yesterday marked the elimination
Of ali the work and worry, and the thou
sands We're ready 10 celebrate the joyful
occasion
Four national flags topped the great
Ehite building. and they tugged and
pulled AZ their halyards in the breezes of
the afternoon. Smiling up at them was
the crowd below. glad that the Govern
ment officers were finally established in
their new home. Glsdness was in the air.
LUILDING ALL MADE READY.
All morning long force Of janitors had
been preparing the great building for its
afternoon reception They had carefully
cleaned the White-marbIed halls and mo-
Eaiced arches. The tons of heavy brass
work shone respIendent from faithful
polishing. Postmaster Fisk was there to
sUperintend the work. and he did not de-
sist until every speck of dirt and stain
was removed. Then he pronounced the
building lit and ready.
The general crowd was not admitted
until after all the invited guests had been
seated Then the massive doors were
swung open for the waiting throng. Cap
tain Spillane and Lieutenant Conboy were
there with eighIy-five of the city's finest
policemen TO see that no offense against
the property was committed.
over fiVe thousand invitations had been
sent out About half Of them were ad-
dressed TO prominent men in other States.
President Roosevelt was an invited guest.
Governors, Senators, Congressman from
every district, were all included Com
mercial bodies from many cities were in
Vited 10 be present and witness the OPEN
ing of this magnificent example of San
Francisco's progress.
The opening ceremony was very simple.
In the open mailing room seats had been
provided for the five thousand invited
guests The reception was held under the
auspices Of the Manufacturers and Pro-
u0cerS ASSOCIATION, assisted Dy a commit
tee Of prominent citizens and representa-
tives OF other local commercial bodies.
In the front Of the room was long table.
an American flag completely enfolding it.
On this was small bouquet of cardinal
roses, a gift to Postmaster Fisk, the only
decoration not a part OF the architecture
Of the building.
PROMINENT CALIFORNIANS SPEAK.
The Stars and Stripes Forever was
played by the band at the opening of the
exercises. Then Andrea Sbarboro, presi-
dent OF the day. made short address
and introduced the Mayor Of the city,