The San Francisco call., 1906-07-26

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the Merchants Association
last evening discussed the re-
building OF San Francisco. The city's
best was there Merchants whose lives
have been devoted to the interests OF
the metropolis Of the West vie with
one another in effort TO say something
encouraging about the future of the
great burned district that outside Of
the sturdy St Francis walls stretched
70 north and south and east and west
OF them.
Music, speeches. toasts and responses.
Strangely incoagruous within the cold
bricks and tattered tinselry.
There was in it all the spirit OF the
pioneers No ghost Of Banquo's feast
was there The undying, indomitable
spirit OF the Californian throbbed with
the energy born OF the days of 40.
II was as if step was being made
from the portals of destruction to the
gateway OF prosperity. 1t was great
night in the history of the new city.
Less than a year ago Mayor Schmitz
had refused TO accept the invitation OF
this same association to become its
guest. Friction had been engendered
between the municipal government and
the city's business men. Last night
Mayor Schnlitz was an interested guest.
ByEoues were bygones, for the wound
hac-oeen healed by the SalVe of adVer-
sity-but the adversely has been wiped
out The goodwill will no doubt pre-
vail just the same.
Every seat was filed. There were
no "welchers." There may have been
undowned recollections of insurance
policies unpaid. but this was not made
apparent. Il was all San Francisco,
new San Francisco. the sort of san
Francisco that IS making over the
metropolis in spite of its troubles.
The tables were set in long rows
three deep. In front Of the ruined FIRE
place was the table of Chairman
Symmes. At his right sat Mayor
Schmitz. To his left was Franklin X
Lane Senator Perkins, Congressman
Kahn, EX-P President Of the Merchants
Association T. ". Dohrmann and other
prominent citizens were near the toast
master.
Mayor Schmitz made a timely, we'll
balanced speech in which he urged that
harmony Of action should be paramount
in the directing Of the affairs Of the
city. Others talked OF the commercial
possibilities OF the city and every ad-
dress was in line with the purpose Of
the evenings meeting, the expressing
OF practical ideas on the resumption of
business.
There was just a bit OF reference to
the affair on ante-hre days, when the
Mayor did not lend his presence to the
associations banquet. and a marginal
talk on the labor situation. Franklin
x. Lane said something about the
necessity Of avoiding labor complica-
tions and his remarks were as well
taken as were those OF the Mayor when
he tritely made a point or two in the
interest OF the working classes-warn-
ing the men who have something to sell
70 have some regard for the man who
must buy.
By way Of an Introductory proceed
ing Chairman Symmes announced that
the association had sent letters and
messages Of invitation TO the various
merchants associations throughout the
country. New York and Chicago had
responded promptly with open hearted
generosity in letters in which San
Francisco was felicitated upon the
prospect of becoming one OF the great
est cities in the country. Chicago said
that by virtue of location and excel
lency OF climate San Francisco will at
tain her meritorious ambition to be-
come the most beautiful city Of the
modern world" New York spoke Of
the meh who by their acts in the past
two or three months have commanded
the admiration of the world"
Mr.. Symmes announced that an
election had taken place in the associa-
ton and that ne had the honor to re-
port that Gustav Brenner. J. A Eveleth
Hartland Law, Byron Mauzy and r G.
SaBborn had been elected directors Of
the association for the ensuing term Of
three years.
In his Introductory remarks Mr.
syrames referred to the most extra
ordinary hallr in which he welcomed
the members 20 their semi-annual din
ner He then proceeded with his in
teresnng address: