FATHER P.C.  YORKE,
in The Warder of Two Continents.

FEBRUARY 18.

FROM THE MOUNTAIN TOPS, LOOKING TOWARDS SAN FRANCISCO BAY.

From the mountain tops we see the valleys stretching out for leagues below.  The eye travels over the tilled fields and the blossoming orchards, through the tall trees and along the verdant meadows that are watered by the mountain streams.  Beyond the valley rolls the ocean, whereon we see the armored vessels, and the pleasure yachts, and the merchant ships, laden with the grain of our golden shores, sailing under every flag that floats the sea.

LAURENCE BRANNICK.

FEBRUARY 19.

THE POET’S SONG.

  I gather flowers on moss-paved woodland ways
  I roam with poets dead in tranced amaze;
  Soon must my wild-wood sheaf be cast away,
  But in my heart the poet’s song shall stay.

CHARLES KEELER,
in A Season’s Sowing.

FEBRUARY 20.

Morning of fleet-arrive was splandid.  By early hour of day all S.F. persons has clustered therselves on tip of hills and suppression of excitement was enjoyed.  Considerable watching occurred.  Barking of dogs was strangled by collars, infant babies which desired to weep was spanked for prevention of.  Silences.  Depressed banners was held in American hands to get ready wave it.

Many persons in Sabbath clothings was there, including 1,000 Japanese spies which were very nice behaviour.  I was nationally proud of them.

Of suddenly, Oh!!!

Through the Goldy Gate, what see?  Maglificent sight of marine insurance!  Floating war-boats of dozens approaching directly straight by line and shooting salutes at people.  On come them Imperial Navy of Hon. Roosevelt and Hon. Hobson; what heart could quit beating at it?  Such white paint—­like bath tub enamel, only more respectful in appearance. * * *

From collected 1/2 million of persons on hills of S.F. one mad yell of star-spangly joy.  Fire-crack salute, siren whistle, honk-horn, megaphone, extra edition, tenor solo—­all connected together to give impressions of loyal panderonium.

WALLACE IRWIN,
in Letters of a Japanese Schoolboy.

FEBRUARY 21.

CALIFORNIA TO THE FLEET.

  Behold, upon thy yellow sands,
  I wait with laurels in my hands. 
  The Golden Gate swings wide and there
  I stand with poppies in my hair. 
  Come in, O ships!  These happy seas
  Caressed the golden argosies
  Of forty-nine.  They felt the keel
  Of dark Ayala’s pinnace steal
  Across the mellow gulf and pass
  Unchallenged, under Alcatraz. 
  Not War we love, but Peace, and these
  Are but the White Dove’s argosies—­
  The symbols of a mighty will
  No tyrant hand may use for ill.