The San Francisco call., 1906-06-03

Yesterday was San Francisco's his
toric. commencement day. and thou
sands crowded among the trees and
the songs Of multitude Of young and
old in Golden Gate Park.
Seventeen hundred children from the
public schools received certificates of
graduation from the hands of Mayor
Schmitz after they had heard d number
Of encouraging speeches from school
directors. citizens. professors and OH
ers
The scene of the remarkable and in
spring ceremony was in front of the
music stand. with the sky for a roof and
the trees for walls. In the background
the one tone OF pathos in a somewhat
gayly attired audience that made a
bright picture was the phalanx of Pro
fessor Armstrong; homeless 700 from
the tent schools of the park. Heed
Jess OF their misfortunes, however. they
enjoyed the music and speeches. waved
their flags and cheered as Justify any
other young patriots OF the throng.
There was plenty Of good music by
the band, some good singing by the au-
dience. but the musical hit of the day
was the enthusiastic singing of Miss
EStelle Carpenters and Mrs. Mary D
McGlade's beautifully inspiring San
Francisco Evermore." The song caught
the vast multitude, and when Miss Mo-
rams voice rose on the second verse
there was singing with q will, then
cheering for the Mayor, for the city,
for the flag and for the United States
q chair leaoing the chorus of thousands,
waving her handkerchief and inspiring
the children 10 sing with feeling.
Superintendent Roncovieri was the
first speaker. He gave good advice and
referred 10 the remarkable scene as one
of the great events in the history of
&c ucation-
President Altman of the board made
2 short. sensible speech, and Mayor
Schmitz followed in a happy vein.
Professor Henry Morse Stephens OF
the chair of history at the State Uni
versity next addressed the children in
q bright impressive and original man
ner whereupon Attorney Samuel NJ
Shortridge's clear and ringing voice
penetrated the foliage for half a mile
or more and made those in the back
seats sit up and listen.
Throughout all the speechmaking g
there was marked attention. and dur
ing the afternoon the band and the ex-
cellent Carpenter -McGlade- Moran mu-
steal programme was restful and pleas
ing.
GOOD MUSIC PLEASES ALL.
The band programme lasted for near
" IN hour before the graduation ex-
ercises began Just after the notes Of
the immortal overture from Tam
hauser" had died away superintendent
Roncovieri spoke feelingly and in part
as follows
This graduation in the open air is
al event that will never be erased from
the mind Of any one here today. 1t is
q red-letter day in the lives of the
young men and women about TO gradu-
ate, and IL is the brilliant pivotal point
which brings US all face TO face with
z brighter. more prosperous, more
You viii never forget this day. and
the diplomas which are awarded you
selves and retained as priceless relics
by your successors, for never in the
worlds history has there been a grad
uation such as this With all your
unbiased minds. with your willing
hands: your store of knowledge and
ye9slr M lofty ideals. 60 forth and battle
and take with you the blessings of the
teachers and officials who have had the
honor to look after your educational
carry the responsibility with credit to
the city and its people / wish you
godspeed in all your undertakings
Mayor Schmitz was cneered when he
appeared He gave credit to Professor
Stephens for suggesting the outdoor
commencement and urged the children
20 remember the lesson of the fire
courage. honesty. hope. He would give
anything If he were the age of those
IN the ranks Of childhood. that he might
5evote the added years and strength
70 the building up OF San Francisco.
He was proud TO be the Mayor of the
brave people Of San Francisco.
STEPHENS TALKS ELoQUENTLY.
Professor Stephens told the children
that they were participating in an event
the like OF which their ancestors never
dreamed OF. He said: Under the ter
Tible scourge of fire. which tests metal
and wood. houses and wealth. human
character has come out clear and beau
tfful. Human courage and ingenuity
have triumphed over brute nature. The
city viii be rebuilt. Gods kingdom is
within you. and the new city potential
spirits The city has triumphantly sur
mounted the most remarkable tests
ever submitted to the nation. OF course
some critics will carp. and some will
want no trolleys, some no FIRE limits
some beautification or no beautifica-
sion. but turning 10 Mayor Schmitz)
the people viii never forget that you