Oakland Tribune from Oakland, California • Page 9

EDITORIAL Owd EDITORIAL FEATURES li ill ll I ll ll llv! i- if 1 1 ito uiS- JUL iMvVViX V. was a "gentlemen's saloon" always, a meeting place for author, stock broker, banker, army and navy officer, lawyer and the like. Duncan would tolerate no loudness, no objectionable conduct. Many arguments were heard in th saloon, but they were conducted as they would be, had the locale been a drawing room. The subjects included topics of the day, politics, art, literature and the like.

Of course, there was the lure of Duncan's pisco punch, a beverage famous the world over. No one ever became intoxicated in Duncan's and a visit to this place was like being a guest in a private home. Will the old atmosphere or anything akin to it ever be brought back? rado River when the expedition crossed at the end of March, 1854. This brings up another matter of interest: Rollins, like the deserters who reached Los Angeles by way of Fort Yuma and incidentally like the men who left Walker's Nicaraguan expedition represent him as a petty, tyrannical, cruel, selfish' and weak man. On the other hand, he appears to have won and held the unswerving loyalty and great admiration of others, who were willing to follow him into any hazard.

(Samuel Ruland, who wrote letters to the San Diego Herald during the Baja California expedition, is a member of the latter class.) The true character of William Walker probably lies somewhere between the two opinions. I should be very glad to have a little light shed on the above points, and also to know of any other first hand accounts of the Baja California expedition which exist today, beside that of Rollins (if Rollins told the truth about himself) and those contained in the newspapers of the time. James Clarke. Howard Hanson, the composer. To most readers the Stagg contract is more important but I am inclined to feel that the College of the Pacifiwill be proud of its contact with Hanson long after Stagg and his gridiron triumphs are forgotten for music has a lasting quality that pigskin success does not obtain.

At the moment I imagine that few of the alumni of the Stockton institution remember Howard Hanson and those that do recall him as a long-armed enthusiast of music whose stay was brief and uneventful. It was not uneventful to him, however, for while he was there, a young professor of twenty fresh from his native Wahoo, Nebraska, he earned an American Academy fellowship that took him to Rome and unwittingly paved the way for patronage on the part of philanthropic George Eastman. In Europe, Hanson showed proficiency both as conductor and composer. On his return he was made a director of the Eastman School of Music at Rochester, a post he still retains with distinction. Not unappreciative of the good fortune that has attended his own rise, Hanson has shown persistent sympathy for other young American composers and in his annual spring festivals at Rochester he has brought out many works by native musicians that would otherwise have gone without a hearing during their lifetime.

Meantime he has gained new distinctions in his chosen line. His "Lament for Beowolf," a choral of the writing plans of some others in this State. It appears the habit is national. With some interest more than one who would have more knowledge of what is in the President's mind have watched the announcements that his book, "Looking Forward," is soon to come from the press. As a matter of fact a number of excerpts from the book have been released by the publisher and the volume was scheduled for release this week.

But something happened and the book temporarily was recalled. Whether the President saw something there which, in the light of recent events, might not truthfully express his latest views, is not known, but he evidently ordered a delay for corrections and revisions. I have seen the preliminary announcements, with generous quotations, and know that as projected the book discusses issues, major and minor, and is not hesitant in letting the public know just where the executive stands on each. Considering the varied nature of his support and the controversies, even in his party, on certain issues, the publioation of pronounced views on such subjects as League of Nations, international conferences, tariffs, may Well cause discussion in the ranks. As for the League, President Roosevelt, who was for it in the Wilson days, is now opposed to our adherence.

From the White House, also, is to com? a new book by the first lady of the land. Mrs. Roosevelt is finishing a volume to be called "It's Up to the Women," a work she had expected to have finished before the inauguration. I understand it will be out in a few days, if not this very day, and that it is "a challenge to American women to aid in national recovery." 13 work, is regarded as among the major compositions of its classification by critics; his Romantic Symphony has just been given a hearing by the mighty Toscanini, who opened the New York Philharmonic to it, thus making Hanson one of the select four of American composers whose opera have had a hearing. in that organization.

And, finally, the Metropolitan has accepted "Merry Mount," an opera by Richard Leroy Stokes and Hanson. The acceptance came some time ago but an issue has been made of production by John Erskine, president of the Juillajd School of Music. He has the administrating of the Juil-lard' fund and since the Metropolitan needs very badly the $50,000 tentatively offered for its continuance this season' it is quite evident that Hanson's melodies will be heard. And all this will redound to the fame of a small Northern California community the simple spelling of whose name confused sports writers when they wrote the story of Alonzo Stagg's appointment, but whose obscurity will be cleared as quickly as more Staggs and Hansons join or rise from its ranks. Magic and Medicine MAGIC AND MEDICINE are not greatly allied this day and age, yet a young man who used to concoct lls and lotions in a Santa Cruz pharmacy back in the sixties AN FRANCIS0, March 18.

Now that we are getting a breathing spell, after some history-making days, we turn "attention-again to a State Legislature which is plugging along at the task of slicing expenditures and where some of the stiffest battles are yet to be fought. There is an opinion that the forthright way in which our national legislature has supported the President's economy bill should prove an inspiration, not only to- the States but to counties and municipalities in which budget-balancing activities would be of rescuing aid to taxpayers. Among our group who aspire to political appointment under the new order, there is a hope that the period of intensive and emergency legislation will pass and the President and others in the say will have time for the delayed distribution of plums. If, during those recent hours in Congress, any "big stick" were needed to keep certain of the members in line, this patronage one was present. With so many jobs yet to be filled and so many Representatives and Senators interested the intimation cannot escape that any kicking over of the traces would incur its penalties.

On the subject of positions to be filled, it is interesting to note that Senator Hiram Johnson, in a letter to H. D. Gregory of Oroville, is reported to have said that his colleague, Senator McAdoo, is the one who holds all keys to the situation so far as California is concerned. The senior Senator disavows any talk that he may have influence and says, "I take it that the patronage of California will be practically in the hands of Mr. McAdoo." In our own" municipality there are present some signs of- an almost feverish activity, following the news of the earth shock in the South and, also, following the promise of an early manufacture of beer.

We sent a special train to Los Angeles and with it doctors and nurses and supplies and in other ways a community which had similar experience responded to aid. As for the beer promise, it has started our breweries ordering bottles and barrels. New fleets of trucks are being made ready and the plants which are not now prepared are applying the finishing touches. They tell me the city will be readv when the word comes. Veterans Celebrate YV7ITH REPUBLICANS biding their time since the Democrats were swept into power, it is encouraging to learn that the Republican Service League, composed of war veterans affiliated with the party, is very much on the alert.

I gather as much from reports of the complimentary dinner tendered here last Saturday night to the retiring Speaker of the San Francisco Assembly of the League, Thomas J. Riordan. They toll me that the heads of the Republican veterans are anything but bowed and certainly, judging from the militant speeches at the dinner, their spirits are not cowed. The boys evidently believe in preparedness and are looking forward to the state political campaign next year and the national election of 1936. Riordan was given credit by his comrades for keeping the organization here in a vigorous condition through the period of party defeat.

The speakers did not discuss candidacies for 1934 or 1936, but stressed the importance of perfecting party organization in the interim. Assistant City Attorney Walter A. Dold, United States Attorney I. M. Peckham, Dr.

John F. Slavich of your city, who is Governor-General of the state organization, Albert E. Sheets, former Assistant United States Attorney in Sacramento, and George M. Stout, secretary of the Veterans' Welfare Board, were among those who paid tribute to Riordan's work. Former United States Attorney George J.

Hatfield made the presentation to the guest of honor of a suitably inscribed watch charm as a token of appreciation. Incidentally, they tell me the League hasfino official insignia, so Tom Foley, local attorney who is Riordan's successor Speaker of the local organization, had one improvised, showing the Republican elephant and a gavel, and this was engraved on the gift. Riordan is a Mounterey County boy who made good in the big city, stopping en route at the University of Santa Clara to complete his education. He was formerly Assistant United States Attorney He was -one of the founders of the Republican Service League and has been active in American Legion affairs, being now chairman of the Legion's Legislative Committee. The representative turnout at the dinner was eloquent of the affection in which he is held by his comrades.

Letters and Politics "pHIS SEEMS ot be the year for an admix ture of politics and literature. A short time ago I spoke of Mark Requa's novel and The Cyclists Return YOU GO out to Golden Gate Park you will note that the bicycle is returning. When men and women ride bicycles in the park there is proof they do so for recreation and in this there may be a hint we may have something like a revival of the days when wheeling was considered a pleasure and the streets, of an evening, were filled with enthusiasts. Men interested in factories and office buildings tell me that in recent weeks the number of "bikes" parked outside has increased and a demand for the old racks in which they may be stalled and locked has resulted. There is no' doubting that for utility and economy, some have taken to foot power, but I am wondering if the recreational come-back will be successful.

Our roadways offer traffic problems which the cyclist of other days did not have to meet and we can but tremble at the possibilities when the motor cars and bikes compete for right of way. While we may not look for the reopening of cycle clubs, a return of the uniformed organizations, or the sight of crowds of young persons wheeling for the fun of exercise, there is a chance the old bike will see a little of its. older popularity. Perhaps we shall have century runs again, with medals for those who do 100 miles in a day, knit caps, and "scorcher" handlebars. We may even have to revive a few ordinances though where the cyclists are to ride in safety is another question.

Placque for Royce OR the sake of its alma mater, California and, perhaps, philosophy our Harvard Club will journey to Grass Valley early next month and there leave a bronze placque to be placed in the public library as a memorial to Josiah Royce, native of the mining city, son of a pioneer family which crossed the plains, and internationally known as a philo.sopher, left our university for Harvard where he became a local institution, well-loved, as well as a celebrity. The Harvard Club of this city, of which Rudolph Altrocchi is president, plans to meet at Grass Valley on April 8, there banquet, revive the stories of the famous professor, and leave a tribute which will continue to call attention to the fact that Royce is one of the many distinguished Americans who had their origin in the hills of gold. As I understand it, Grass Valley is preparing a reception; Mayor M. J. Brock, an official genuinely interested in the California story and possessed of a rare collection of relics of older days, will deliver a welcoming address, and a rather elaborate party will be held.

The Walker Filibuster I 'HE KNAVE: In a newspaper a few years ago appeared an article by Clinton Rollins, purporting to be reminiscences of the William Walker filibuster to Baja California in 1853-54, by one who had been there. In the article Rollins raises several points of interest, which this correspondent, for one, would like to know more about. Rollins says that Walker belonged to an organization of pro-slavery Californians known as "The Knights of the Golden Circle." This organization was composed of "military and -chivalrous" members of slavery's supporters more peaceful Southerners belonging to "The Southern Rights League" and "Southern Planters." According to Rollins, the "Knights of the Golden Circle" bathed Walker's expedition. Rollins also says that the organization planned to seize the fort, or post, then on Alcatraz Island at the beginning of the Civil War, and were only prevented rorft- so doing by the arrival of a new commandant. The slavery adherents were undoubtedly interested in both of Walker's filibusters.

But I have not hearlj of the "Knights of the Golden Circle" from anyone but Rollins. Nor have I been able to find out anything about Rollins, except that he lived in the Cocopah Mountains across the Mexican boundary in 1909. I feel quite certain that he was one of the men who deserted Walker at the Colo- manaeect to combine the two arts with sur- HI Diary of 1852 THE KNAVE: I have been going through a packet of letters written from California in '52 and '53 by my grandfather, William Hammond, and have copied a few extracts that you might find interesting. With three of his brothers, Irus, Samuel and Nathaniel, he came "across the plains" in the spring of '52. He returned to Michigan in the fall of '53 and as a member of the newly formed Republican party was appointed warden of the state prison at Jackson ('54-'58).

During the Civil War held the post of Quartermaster General. The December '52 letter is written as a diary in a little book "Gregory's Express Letter Book" from Sacramento City. "Dec. 15, 1852. Here they build a house as large as the tavern in Charlotte in one week's time.

The mud in the streets is from one to two feet deep and will be deeper there is a great deal of suffering on account of the high price of provisions flour $1.00 per pork from 4 to 6 shillings per lb. I am now paying $12.00 per week for board. News came down from Downie-ville today that the inhabitants were starving. The Youba River being so high that provisions cannot be got to them. Times have never been so hard in California since the first settlement.

Dec. 17. Last night commenced the hardest storm that I ever witnessed. The wind blew so hard that it blew down several framed houses and more than fifty cloth ones, for since the fire the majority of the inhabitants live in cloth houses. The wind blows a perfect hurrycane and the rain has been falling in sheets for the past 20 hours.

Fears are entertained that the city will be all under water before morning. There is considerable sickness in town at present, some of it smallpox and fevers. When Waters Rose HERE IS A GREAT commotion all over the town. Men, women and children hurrying and carrying their effects into the second storeys of their buildings and building rafts for the conveyance of property and persons to various parts of the city as it is thought that the water will rise to a depth of 7 or 8 feet all over the city. If so, it will take some time to get accustomed to an amphibious life.

Dec. 18. Today the mail arrived again from the States andl shall send to Hangtown by Express for letters from you. Dec. 21.

They are running boats all over the city. Mr. has bought a boat to carry his boarders to and from thir several places of business. The water is now about 2 or 3 ft. deep in front of the Sacramento House where I board.

Last night there was a man shot by a woman. They think he will die and if he does the woman will be hung by the mob. I shall not witness it, however, as I as very much disgusted with all such proceedings. Hanging without judge or jury is a hard case. Hanging is not punishment enough for her as this man is not the first she has killed, so report saith.

Christmas Day. It is now about four o'clock and a great many are getting drunk. I suppose to drown out the good or bad feelings drawn out by thoughts of home. As for me, I like to spend my leisure hours in meditation -about wife and children." S. H.

K. Triumphs of Hanson THE LITTLE College of the Pacific at Stockton is attracting national attention in a fashion that "must be making its more pretentious cousins in the educational world green-eyed. First there was the hiring of Alonzo Stagg to-guide, its football destinies and propel it onto the country's front pages. Now there is the triumphs of More of the Story pROM ANOTHER man born in the Mother Lode and close to the story, Fred D. Realy of your city, I get details of the Black Bart career in California.

"I was born at Jenny Lind, Calaveras County," writes Realy, "which is about 12 miles from where the stage was robbed and, as a boy, I recall, the excitement. There was considerable amusement among the good country people at the idea of Black Bart wearing white, starched, detachable so stylish at that time, to go into the chaparral country to rob stages. He was dressed up like a 'dude' and it caused his downfall. After robbing the stage near Cop-peropolis he circled around and made his camp a quarter of a mile from the sheriff's office at San Andreas for the night and took the stage next day for San Francisco, while the sheriff and railroad detectives were chasing around over the hills looking for clues. It was horseback riding for the officers in those days slow work.

I heard Abe Thorn brother of Sheriff Ben Thorn, complain that the San Francisco papers of that time gave most of the credit for catching Black Bart to Detectives Thacker and Hume which rightfully belonged to his brother. Superior Judge Vic Godchalk gave Bart a light sentence on account of his confession to the crime and showing where the money was hidden. The people were saying Bart could have gone free had he hired smart lawyers and claimed someone stole his cuff. I first saw Black Bart when he was on his way to San Quentin when Sheriff Thorn and two others had him in an open-top spring wagon. They stopped at Cap Tyler's place at Jenny Lind.

I saw him standing at the corner of Seventh and Broadway, Oakland, after his release. The report at that time was he was in the employ of Wells Fargo and all he had to do was report once a week to keep him from robbing any more stages. I never gave that any credit. But Wells Fargo sent a new rifle to the boy who aided in the capture." They Wonder IF AND WHEN light wines and beer return how and where are they to be drunk? That seems to be the question agitating a number of people. Sitting with a group men of the older generation recently an interesting discussion arose.

They were unanimous in their opinion that the saloon must not come back. Then the talk turned on the old places in this city which, although classed as saloons in the old days, Were in reality meeting places where gentlemen of culture and leisure could, and did, gather to talk and to sip. "Will modification bring back such places as the Bank Exchange and bring forward such men as Duncan Nicol?" was the query of one man with white hair and a wistful gleam in his eye. The pages of memory were turned back and again was pictured the old Montgomery Block with its iron shutters and its frieze of faces of early pioneers of this city and state. Ten of these heads are in the De Young Museum in the park now, but the rest can still be seen on the old building at the corner of Montgomery and Sansome Streets.

Duncan's passing success. He was Dr. William Golden Mortimer, who died in New York this month, honored by the Society of American Magicians, whose first president he was, and by Medical Association, of which he was a distinguished member. Dr. Mortimer's career, even in brief, is most interesting.

As a boy he was greatly interested in magic and when he finished his work in the public schools of New York he became a pupil of Robinson, the Fakir of Vishnu. That was in 1853, but while the boy was inquiring into magic, he became attracted to the mysteries of healing. The money he earned as a magician he put to good use in study for a pharmacist's degree, Thereafter when magic was non-profitable, -a he earned his keep as a drug clerk and vice versa. He came West with his own show, "Mortimer's Mysteries," a dignified production modeled along the lines set by Robert Kellar and Alexander Herrmann, with whom he was in friendly competition. In 1871 Dr.

Mortimer decided that he was nowhere and decided to study medicine. He entered the medical department of New York University but left after a short time to join the staff of McKesson and Robbins, the wholesale drug house. During this period he founded and edited the Druggists' Advertiser and Trade Journal. But by 1880, he again turned to medicine, abandoning drugs and magic. This time he was graduated from the New York University irvT88 and was promptly appointed as clihiialassistant to Dr.

William C. Jarvis of the department of rhinology and prosecutor to the chair of V. i Tn.1M -fHrtur anaiomy unaer nuuainuiuiu, a of 4he Royal College of Surgeons England. From that time on, his course was definite. His public works were many and He specialized in ear, eye and throat and eventually became director of ophthalmolog-ical surgery at the New York Throat and Nose Hospital, a post he held until his death at seventy-nine.

THE KNAVE..