Imperial Valley press., 1919-12-01
GOV. STEPHENS
CONCRATUlATES
COAST, VALLEY
Chief Executive Delivers
Speech; Royal Welcome
Given Specials
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
Especial to the Press

'SAN DIEGO, December 1-Thous-
ands of people assembled at the union
depot this afternoon to greet the arrival
of the first passenger trains over the
San Diego & Arizona railway from I'M
peral valley.
Shrieking whistles. clamoring crowds,
ringing bells-a wild bedlam of noise
welcomed the two specials to the city.
Following the arrival of the trains,
which was photographed by large
number of movie men, a gigantic par
ade was formed which wended through
the main streets of the town to the
plaza in Balboa park where the follow
ing program was given:
Opening remarks, A. p. Johnson, Jr.,
president of the San Diego chamber of
commerce.
Appreciation of San Diego, Mayor
l.. j. Wilde.
Greetings from the state of Arizona
Hon. Thomas e. Campbell, governor.
Greetings from the state of New Mex
leo, Hon. o. A. Larrazola, governor, or
representative.
Greetings from Lower California,
Hon. Esteban Cantu, governor.
Greetings from the railroads, Paul
Shoup, vice president Southern Pacific
Company.
Greetings from the city of San Fran
CISCO Hon. James Rolph, mayor.
Greetings from the city of Los Ango-
les. Hon. Meredith p Snyder, mayor.
Greetings from the Imperial valley,
by prominent Valley man.
Remarks, Carl II. Heilbron, general
chairman celebration committee.
Response, Mr.. John d. Spreckels.
Governor Stephnes' speech was the
subject of much unusual interest. In
part it was as follows;
Citizens of San Diego:
"This occasion is of such important
significance not only to the city of San
Diego, not only to Southern California,
but to all of California, that l as gov
crnor felt it to be my duty and person
al pleasure, to journey some 500 miles
to participate in this celebration and to
express the greetings of the people of
all our ffty-eight counties
"This is particularly happy day for
the people of San Diego and Imperial
counties. The dream of many years is
now realized. The benefit of rail rtans-
portation has been attained that means
much in industrial and business pros
perity.
"The State of California joins with
you in today's rejoicing, for the well
being and prosperity of the people in
this southern end of the state is factor
in the progress and success of the peo-
,ple of the northernmost counties of the
state. Every county feels the impulse
of new development and new pros
9th Of he CT a q
In speaking therefore for all the people
of California, I am speaking for those
who share with you the great advan-
tages that will come from the compile
ton of the railroad from San Diego to
El Ccntro.
City and Valley Invited
"A new Pacific terminal has been Gre
ated for transcontinental business. The
great and marvellous Imperial valley
has been provided with new avenue
of outlet. The business men of San
Diego may now claim her due in the
commerce of the world. This extreme
southwestern shipping port of our coun-
try will serve vast region and is des-
tined to become one of the great ports
of America. New fields of commerce
are opening across the Pacific and
southwark beyond the Equator. With
direct rail communication across the
continent. the port OF San Diego will
surely share literally in the new era
of development and progress that is
now before us.
-. "To those builders of railroads
who have conquered the desert and the
mountains, this country owes great
debt. There have been among them
men whom we could not applaud, but
for all those who builded and earned
the respect of men, we have admiration