11

[September 8, 1887, style is that of the Territorial Enterprise]

ADMISSION DAY.
California's Chief Anniversary―Its
Sympathetic Observance on the
Comstock―Evening Banquet of
the Old Pioneers―A Very Inter-
esting Occasion,

Yesterday was the thirty-seventh anniversary of the admission of California into the Union, and no doubt it was duly observed throughout the Golden State, The last official proclamation of Governor Bartlett, recently issued, made it an official holiday in that State, but the general observance was tempered with a degree of sadness, from the fact that the sick and dying Governor might make his final departure on that proud anniversary day. Here

ON THE COMSTOCK

The national flag was displayed from the hall of the Society of Pacific Coast Pioneers, from the International Hotel, and that patriotic old pioneer, Pete Smith, was not behind anybody else in flying his banner to the breeze. There being no session of the Stock Board in San Francisco our local stock dealers were relieved from one day's anxiety, yet many inadvertently scanned the old bulletins of the day before, remaining in the brokers' windows, apprehensively wondering what the morn might bring forth.

THE EVENING BANQUET

Given by Otto Eckelmann, at his Capitol Rotisserie, to the Society of Pacific Coast Pioneers and a few invited friends, the press especially included, was the feature of interest in the observance of the occasion, as under the constitution of the Society that day was adopted for its annual celebration. Otto is a pioneer of pioneers himself, arriving on the Pacific Coast a sailor lad, in 1844, and he gave this supper to his fellow-members of the Society merely out of pure old-time fraternal hospitality.

In the commodious rear rooms of his establishment he set table for about sixty persons, and every seat was occupied, while others had to watch their chance to get in at the feast. The traditional bean, cooked in various approved styles, formed the principal feature, of course, but there was also a bountiful collection of choice meats, pastry, fruit, etc., with the best approved California wines to supply the requisite moisture, and come in on the toasts and sentiments.

On motion of President Doten, of the Society, Hon J. P. Smith was unanimously chosen President of the evening, and after appreciative attention had been paid to the beans and other good thingsm speeches, toasts and general communion came in order, one gentleman after the other being called upon and responding in good order. C. C. Thomas, Superintendent of the Sutro tunnel, made a very able and eloquent speech, alluding in feeling terms to Dr McMeans and Hon. Charley De Long, the first and second Presidents of the Society, and others deceased. He was followed by Dr. Webber, dr. James Delavan, Alf Doten, J. C. Hampton, Robert Patterson, Mr. Houghton and Terence Kelly in appropriate response to call, and C. M. Brown, the oldest pioneer in the Society, arriving on the old whaleship Adeline in 1838, gave an interesting sketch of his maritime experience in those early days, Including a choice native banquet he and his companions were invited to in New Zealand, where they had a roasted native captured enemy served up in the most approved style with sage and onions. It seemed like roast port and smelt good enough, but he only pretended to gnaw the rib that was given him, and swapped it for a foot, which he took home and deposited in the Boston Museum. Albert Hires recited Daggett's poem, "My New Year's Guests," in excellent style, and was deservedly applauded.

The best forensic efforts of the evening was the speech of Hon. F. M. Huffaker. He alluded in glowing terms to the trials and achievements of the old Pioneers and the results which we are enjoying, the grand public school system, etc.―but a mere synopsis cannot do justice. His remarks were highly appreciated

Among the toasts and sentiments offered and responded to were "California and Nevada, the Golden and Silver States." " The Press, our ever faithful and appreciative ally," "Those old standard pioneers, R. H. Taylor and W. D. C. Gibson, absent but still in full comission." "Our deceased fellow-Pioneers," (drank standing up and in silence.)

The royal host, Eckelmann, was, of course, highly and frequently complimented, and has every reason to be proud, not only of his hospitable achievement, but of its thorough hearty, fraternal appreciation.