The San Francisco call., 1906-08-13
CAPTAIN RILEY's ADDRESS.


The opening address was made by
Captain Peter T. Riley who stated that
the monument was erected as tribute
to those who offered themselves for
their country during the Spanish
American war. Captain Riley said in
part:
The monument that we dedicate to-
day is a tribute to the sons of Cali
fornia who in the time Of the nations
try. Its conception and completion
are due to the generosity of our fell
low citizens who are represented flere
today by Hon. James D. Phelan, NJ H
de Young and w. H. Martin.
It is erected not alone TO that re-
euirement which won distinction as
he first TO be mustered into the serv-
ice of the United States and the first
o land on foreign soil, but equally to
al Californians who were ready to
Seventh, the Eighth California, the
battalion Of artillery as well as those
OF our State who served in the regular
army, navy and marine corps.
This beautiful group will teach for
wiz remind our youth that there is
40 greater honor than to give our
lives for the republic.
The war with Spain is long since
past The animosities are forgotten.
The last OF the gallant California regi-
ment has folded It's colors forever, and
which recall the Stirring days OF war.
While this statue is tribute to the
living volunteers, let US not forget that
it is also a monument of honor to those
we left behind-to our comrades over
whose distant graves the tropic grass
grows rank and tall.
PHELAN RECALLS HISTORY.
After Invocation by Rev. Joseph P.
McQuaide, chaplain of the First Cali
fornia Infantry, James D. Phelan,
speaking in behalf of the committee,
presented the monument to the mu-
nicipality. At the close of Mr.. Phelan's s
remarks the flag that draped the monu-
ment was pulled down by Eugene
Clyne, of the San Francisco Naval Re
serve. and a battery salute fired by
Chief Gunner Henry Hilton, Chief
Gunner's Mate Duffy and Gunner's s
Mate Henderson, also of the reserve.
Phelan spoke as follows:
The sailing of the transport on May
25, 1898, was momentous event in the
history of the United States. Out of
the harbor of San Francisco went the
tion of armed forces ever sent by the
republic TO foreign lands on a warlike
mission.
Spain ruled with a barbaric hand the
people OF an island anchored hard by
our coast, whose sufferings and whose
heroic struggle for Independence moved
ment our battleship Maine was sunk
in what was the friendly harbor OF Ha-
vana, and the national mind had con-
victed Spain of treachery. The fate of
the 260 men and officers who went
down with her cried for vengeance.
War was declared, and the first great
victory, the destruction of the Spanish
fleet in the harbor of Manila by Admi-
raj Dewey on May / had aroused the
enthusiasm OF the people. and the war
like spirit of the race gave birth to a
volunteer army which at the call of
the President went bravely-to the front
San Francisco was converted into a
military camp, as many as $4,000 men
having pitched their tents by the Gold
en- Gate, and the very first regiment Of
them all mustered In by the United
States was the First California, under
the command of Colonel James F.
Smith. This San Francisco regiment
was under the command of a San Fran
ciscan. Great as was this honor IL
was soon to be magnified by the posi-
ton given TO our regiment among the
eXpeditionary forces sent TO the Philip
pine Islands aboard the City OF Peking
on the 25th day of May. 1t was the
first regiment to set sail from the
United States for the purpose of en-
gaging a. foe on foreign soil and per-
hans ultimately for foreign conquest