The Republican journal., 1912-03-21

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AAyya .ss.Hsa zsaT,.'r4s 5.JslEl ~
feet above its level. But few hundred
feet away are the Seal Rocks upon which
are hundreds Of sea lions, from the baby
to the gray old patriarch whose weight
would tip the scales at 5000 lbs 1t is
very amusing to watch their gambols as
they play around and sun themselves on
the rocks, plunge into the water and then
out again. Thousands of people were on
the beach and strolling around to see the
many attractions. 1t was an ideal sum-
mer day, and the breakers from the grand
old Pacific as they broke upon the beach
were truly majestic and awe inspiring.
Sutro Heights is most beautiful private
park, which is thrown open to the public.
In this park can be seen thousands of
beautiful flowers in bloom the year
around, and hundreds of rare and beauti-
full pieces of statuary are scattered over
the grounds. The view from the Heights
of the Pacific ocean and surrounding
country is very fine indeed There are
many charming walks and drives, with
palm trees and shubbery of all kinds,
wonderful to behold.
l went to the Preside, one of the
largest and most important military
posts in the world. 1t has an area of
l 800 acres, with several miles 'front.'
age on the ocean and bay. The largest
guns the government owns are located
here for the protection of this coast.
There are many fine drives and walks
through the reservation passing the
numerous forts, homes, hospital and drill
grounds. There are several thousand
soldiers here-infantry, cavalry and ar
tillery. They look very fine On parade
in their brilliant uniforms, and it was
grand to hear the inspiring music, look
over the beautiful grounds and the broad
Pacific at our feet, and with Old Glory
flying overhead, it was enough to stir the
patriotic spirit within your bosom.
L went across the bay to Oakland to
visit some friends, and with the sun beat
ing down on the sparkling water it was
like lovely summer day. Oakland is
large and growing city. There is an
enormous traffic between San Francisco
and the cities across the bay of Oakland,
Alameda and Berkeley. About dozen
big ferry boats are going back and forth
all the time and always crowded.
The Chinese New Year began here Feb.
18th and was celebrated down in China
town for several days, as they make
great account of their New Year. They
have frecrackers of enormous size, which
they are continually exploding; music of
all kinds and everything to add to the
noise and excitement of the occasion.
The Chinese men, women and children
were out in full force in their picturesque
native costumes. The women dress
nearly like the men, with very loose
flowing trousers and sort of blouse, and
have their hair done up very deliberately,
while the men have theirs hanging down
in long queue. There were crowds Of
visitors in China town to see the sights.
All kinds of Chinese curiosities, knick-
knachs, fruits and candies. were for sale
and rushing business was done with
the tourists. 1t seemed almost as if you
were in foreign lands to see the natives
and their goods and hear them jabber in
their native tongue. China town has been
rebuilt in quite modern and p-to-date
style since the fire and earthquake. 1t
was very shabby and squalid before.
They have some nice stores now, filled
with their native wares and curios. San
Francisco has more varieties of nation
alities, they say, than any other city in
the country. There are certainly about
all kinds that can be thought of: Chinese,
Japanese, Greeks, Turks, Arabs, Hin
docs, Indians, Negroes and others toe
numerous to mention. 1t is very anus
ing and entertaining to stand in the
streets and see the different people in
their native garb and hear them talk in
their native tongue. 1t is wonderful
what great variety of people there are
in this little world of ours. Well will
close for this time. l always look with
interest for The Journal and the news
from Belfast and surrounding towns.
j. WARREN SKINNER.
San Francisco, March 1912.