History of Santa Clara County California with biographical sketches, Part 31

Author: Sawyer, Eugene T
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1934

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In December, 1911. the city, by special elec- tion, took in as new territory East San Jose. Gardner and West San Jose.

In 1912 and 1913, under Mayor Monahan's administration, the horses were taken ont of the fire department and motor-drawn trucks, engines and carts were put in.

In 1914-15, while Husted was mayor, the Canoas Creek bypath was diverted so that in the rainy season the waters would not flood Cottage Grove and adjoining sections.

On October 30, 1917, the Coyote bridge col- lapsed beneath the weight of three heavy cars loaded with prunes. A boy riding on a bi- cycle was on the bridge at the time and was instantly killed. In the spring of 1918, a spe- cial election gave the city the power to use $65,000 remaining in the sewer fund for the erection of a new concrete, steel-reinforced bridge. A contract was awarded and the work was completed in the spring of 1919.

In 1915 the following freeholders prepared a new charter giving San Jose a commission form of government : Elmer E. Chase, Robert R. Syer, W. L. Atkinson. L. E. Petree, Roy Newberry, G. M. Fontaine, John D. Crum- mey, W. J. Close, Walter L. Chrisman, H. J. B. Wright, Victor Challen, Chas. M. ()'Brien, John J. Miller, Irving L. Ryder, V. Koch. The charter was filed February 15. 1915, adopted at special election April 19, 1915, and ratified by the Legislature, May 4, 1915. The charter went into effect July 1, 1916. The important provisions were: Elective officers, the city auditor, police judge and seven coun- cilmen; the initiative and referendum by which the people reserve to themselves the power to adopt or reject ordinances at the polls independently of the council ; the recall, by which any elective officer may be removed from office by the electors ; the election by the council of a city manager, who shall be the official head of the city with power to appoint a city treasurer, city engineer, city attorney. board of health, health officer, chief of police,

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chief of the fire department, board of educa- tion, board of library trustees, superintendent of parks ; the election by the council of a city clerk, civil service commission and city plan- ning commission; the removal of the city manager at any time by a majority vote of the council. At the first election Elmer E. Chase, W. L. Atkinson, Chas. M. O'Brien, and Elton Shaw were chosen as councilmen, the two first named to serve for six years, the two last named for four years. Ben Sellers. J. F. McLaurin and A. C. Jayet were the hold- over councilmen under the old charter. In 1918 Sellers and MeLaurin went out and Matt Arnerich and E. S. Williams were elected in their places. In 1918 Williams resigned on account of removal from town and Dr. E. O. Pieper was chosen to fill the vacancy. At the May election in 1920, Joseph Brooks, D. M. Denegri and William Bigger were elected. Pieper, Shaw and O'Brien retiring.

When the new council organized in July. 1916, Thomas H. Reed was chosen manager. He served for three years and was succeeded by Dr. W. C. Bailey. The other officers of the city in 1920 were J. Lynch, city clerk ; Roy Walter, city auditor: Louis Lightston, tax collector; C. B. Goodwin, city engineer ; N. Bell, acting health officer ; John C. Black, chief of police ; H. Hobson, chief of the fire depart- ment. Dr. Bailey resigned after a three years service and was succeeded by C. B. Goodwin. William Popp was appointed city engineer.

In 1917 immediately following the declara- tion of war the city manager appointed a committee to prepare a Loyalty Day celebra- tion which resulted in the most stirring parade ever seen in San Jose. The most striking feature of it was thousands of school chil-

dren bearing flags, who after marching through the streets, massed in front of the city hall and sang patriotic songs. The activities of San Jose during the war period-1917-18 -- will be found in another chapter.

In March, 1920, the city voted bonds in the stin of $700,000 for improvements in the high and grammar schools. The permanent prop- erties of the city as shown in the first report of the city manager are as follows: Lands, $628,250: buildings, structures and improve- ments, $2,307,142.50; equipment, $140,083.45 ; total, $3,075,475.95.

In May, 1920, at the regular city election a proposition to increase the tax rate by adding 35 cents on each $100 valuation for three years, as a temporary expedient, was carried. The withdrawal of liquor license money caused by the prohibition law shortened the city finances so that an additional tax for a short period became necessary in order to place the city government in proper working order.

The mayors of the city from 1850 down are: 1850. Josiah Belden: 1851-2-3-4, Thomas W. White: 1855, S. (). Houghton, 1856, Lawrence Archer ; 1857, R. G. Moody ; 1858, P. O. Minor ; 1859, Thomas Fallon : 1860, R. B Buckner : 1861-2, Joseph W. Johnson; 1863-4-5-6-7, J. 1. Quinby ; 1868-9, Mark Leavenworth : 1870-71- 72. A. Pfister, 1873-4-5-6-7. B. D. Murphy ; 1878-9, Lawrence Archer ; 1880-1, B. D. Mur- phy: 1882-3, Chas. J. Martin; 1884-6. C. T. Settle: 1886-7, C. W. Breyfogle: 1888-9, S. W. Boring: 1890-92, S. N. Rucker : 1892-94. H. E. Schilling, 1894-96. Paul P. Austin ; 1896- 98. V. Koch ; 1898-1902. Chas J. Martin ; 1902- 1906, Geo. D. Worswick; 1906-8, H. D. Mat- thews: 1908-12. C. W. Davison: 1912-14. Thomas Monahan ; 1914-16, F. R. Husted.

CHAPTER XVII.

San Jose and Santa Clara Activities During the Great European War- Liberty Loan, Red Cross, Y. M. C. A., Belgian Relief and Other Noteworthy Drives-The Men and Women Who Did the Work.

The part played by San Jose and the other towns in Santa Clara County in the Great European War was both patriotic and self- sacrificing. During the hurry and stress of the grave and arduous responsibilities of the occasion, when even the average, easy-going citizen was called upon to bear unusual bur- dens, no one realized that the activities in which they were engaged constituted the mak- ing of history. What the city and county did

is realistically and finely told by Mrs. Edith Daley in her pamphlet written for the Santa Clara County Historical Society. From that labor of love the historian has compiled the following interesting facts :

On April 6, 1917, President Wilson signed the resolution of Congress declaring the "ex- istence of a state of war" and asking that all the resources of the United States be "directed to prosecute hostilities against the German

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Government to a successful conclusion." On April 12, 1917, San Jose inaugurated the loy- alty movement in California. On that day more than 10,000 loyal citizens led by City Manager Thomas H. Reed, marched through the city's streets while the Stars and Stripes waved above them and the bands played "Dixie" and "America" -- and the thrilling "Marseillaise." That night in a great mass meeting in the high school auditorium hundreds unanimously pledged hearts and hands to the country's cause.

On May 3, 1917. the announcement was made that the first offering of bonds under the finance law would be $2,000,000,000. Lib- erty Loan issue, open to popular subscription at par ; subscriptions to be received until June 5; bonds to be dated July 1 and ready for delivery then. Santa Clara County's quota was about $2,000,000.

On May 14, 1917, the details of the Liberty Loan were telegraphed all over the country. Officers' training camps opened. Men flocked to fill them, Pacifists were abroad in the land, their voices raised in protest against the coun- try's war policy. The espionage measure was passed May 14. One began to hear the omin- ous words "slacker," "disloyalty," and "sedi- tion." The old easy settled routine of things was sadly disturbed at the time of the be- ginning of the first Liberty Loan drive.

California was divided into two districts with the Tehachapi the dividing line and Los Angeles and San Francisco headquarters. The northern district was divided into sixteen sub- districts with a competent bond seller in charge of each. Before the real campaign started voluntary local bond subscriptions be- gan to come in. The Knights Templar and Observatory Parlor of the Native Sons were the first fraternal organizations to buy bonds. Senator Frank H. Benson and Judge Urban A. Sontheimer are on record as having advo- cated the early purchase of Liberty Bonds by the Native Sons.

May 23, 1917, by telegraphic designation, the Secretary of the Treasury and A. Kains, Gov- ernor of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, appointed a local committee for handling the campaign in Santa Clara County, particularly to receive bond subscriptions. The following men were named: John Brooke, vice-president Safe Deposit Bank, chairman ; W. K. Beans, president of Bank of San Jose : W. E. Blauer, manager local branch of Bank of Italy; W. S. Clayton, president First Na- tional Bank ; T. S. Montgomery, president Gar- den City Bank and Trust Company; Wilbur Edwards, president Security Savings Bank.

The opening of the Second Officers' Train- ing Camp preceded the first bond drive. Very

few San Joseans ever knew that the work of interviewing and examining all the applicants for shoulder straps and military titles was done by a working volunteer committee of three. W. S. Clayton, A. B. Post and V. J. LaMotte did this patriotic service, rejecting the men they considered unfit and sending the others to San Francisco for acceptance or re- jection by the "higher powers."

The little old oak table in room 401 in the First National Bank building could unfold an interesting tale if it had a voice. Beside it the committee of three met the embryo officers and here also the real work of the first Liberty Bond drive had its beginning. On the evening of May 24, 1917, a few San Jose men gath- ered in this room to talk over the task that confronted the nation and the task that await- ed them.

It was a poorly attended meeting. No extra chairs had to be brought in. Around the worn old table were W. S. Clayton, Dr. W. C. Bailey, John Kuster, E. K. Johnston, H. L. Baggerly, J. D. Farwell and perhaps one or two others whose names are forgotten. No records were kept. Only the little room and the oak table can tell the whole story. It was an earnest gathering and the power gen- erated here won a smashing victory in bonds with which to back up the boys.

This office had no telephone so on May 26 these volunteers moved into rooms 701- 702. This was E. N. Richmond's office and he donated its use during the entire period of the first and second bond drives. In the new headquarters there was another small but sig- nificant meeting on the evening of "moving day," May 26, 1917. At this memorable time a complete working committee was named. John D. Kuster, manager of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company was made county chairman and Dr. W. C. Bailey secretary. The bank committee previously named by Beans and McAdoo was supplemented by other ap- pointments, making the personnel of the or- iginal bond workers as follows: John D. Kus- ter, Dr. W. C. Bailey, John F. Brooks, E. N. Richmond, J. D. Farwell, Howell D. Melvin, H. L. Baggerly, Elton R. Shaw, Geo. N. Her- bert, Alfred B. Post, Wm. E. Blauer, E. K. Johnston, Walter Mathewson, V. J. La Motte, W. S. Clayton. G. R. Parkinson, Herbert Rob- inson, H. G. Coykendall, Chas. R. Parkinson and Wilbur J. Edwards.

Work began in earnest. Telephones and automobiles were requisitioned. The commit- tee forgot to look at the clock. On May 25, Senator James D. Phelan telegraphed from Washington "We are fighting for our liberty with the weapon nearest our hand. The Lib- erty Bond is such a weapon." Sunday, May

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27, congregations in San Jose churches, lis- tened to eloquent appeals to their loyalty and patriotism. In one church the pastor changed "Jerusalem" to "America" with telling effect, his text reading : "If I forget thee, O America, let my right hand forget its cunning."

The committee on public meetings consist- ed of Elton R. Shaw, E. K. Johnston and E. N. Richmond. On May 29, the first big lunch- eon was held at the St. James hotel. The speech of the hour was made by Max Kuhl and the spirit of the gathering was President Wilson's message: "The supreme test of the nation has come. We must all act and serve together."

On Decoration Day hundreds gathered in St. James Park to hear Rev. J. W. Kramer's wonderful tribute to his country and his dramatic appeal for every loyal citizen's loyal support in the hour of America's need. "Old Glory," said the speaker, "May it wave and wave and never be furled until it is folded over the grave ef dethroned Prussianism ! May it wave and wave until war shall only be a fit inscription for the gates of hell! And wave and wave until all suffering humanity shall feel the warmth of its loving embrace!" On this Decoration Day, C. E. Kratt, the first pharmacist to enlist, left San Jose to join the colors, and J. D. Chase, Jr., secretary of the County Council of Defense since its organi- zation, enlisted as a private in the National Guard.

Every bank in the county was alive to the need and subscribing liberal)- On the night of June 6, City Manager Thomas H. Reed and Cyrus Peirce, of San Francisco, addressed a mass meeting at the \' story Theater at which Judge W. A. Beasly presided. E. N. Rich- mond acted as bond seller and $44,650 was subscribed on the spot. Only about 1000 at- tended this first mass meeting, but each of the 1000 men and women went away fully deter- mined that San Jose should do its full duty.

Music for this meeting was furnished by W. E. Johnson, assisted by Dr. Charles M. Richards and the following quartet: Mrs. Charles Braslan, Mrs. J. C. Elder, Roy Thompson and Warren French. When W. E. Johnson sang "The Battle Hymn of the Re- public," and "The Star Spangled Banner" that night in June he little thought how many times his appealing voice would wake San Jose audiences to heights of patriotism in the days to come-days that were to bring him heart-breaking news in the casualty lists from his "Mother England."

On June 8, 1917, led by Charles R. Parkin- son, the Rotarians started a "Shoe Leather Campaign" of the residential and business dis- tricts with an accompanying "boost" program 12

of patriotic mass meetings. That evening at the high school members of the committee ad- dressed the student body numbering 1500. Louis Campiglia, Rotarian president, heartily sanctioned the "Shoe Leather Campaign." Following the meeting 100 high school boys under the direction of John Lynch, president of the student body, formed a special commit- tee to canvass the residential district. There were committees appointed to interview all lawyers and, indirectly, their clients. This committee consisted of F. H. Bloomingdale, David M. Burnett, L. Petree and L. B. Arch- er. All lines of business were segregated and a committee appointed for each list. No busi- ness house was forgotten. For instance: El- mer E. Chase was given canneries; Dr. David A. Beattie, doctors and nurses; A. G. Du- Brutz, plumbers; Ferdinand G. Canelo, dry- goods and department stores; Robert F. Ben- son, automobiles and accessories. Barber shops fell to the lot of Wm. L. Prussia. Jay McCabe, being known for his versatility, was handed a list which designated priests, and Chinese and Japanese settlements. For Jay's assistance leaflets were printed in Japanese, Chinese and Italian.

The speed was increased and nobody shirk- ed. In competition with the high school sol- icitors Capt. Charles Parkinson of the Rotar- ians worked his bunch of live business men to the limit. Among the speakers at the meet- ings held in the various schoolhouses were D. M. Burnett, Judge Urban A. Sontheimer, E. N. Richmond, Chas. M. O'Brien, Chauncey F. Tramatolo, Dr. F. H. Patterson, George N. Herbert, Arthur M. Free, A. G. DuBrutz, W. L. Atkinson. Elton R. Shaw, W. S. Clay- ton and City Manager Thomas H. Reed. Everybody was working and working hard. The office of secretary was no sinecure. Dr. W. C. Bailey was a whole battery of big guns, and Chairman John D. Kuster a regular vital- izing current of energy.

About this time the "four minute men" made their entrance, speaking in the theaters. The men who won applause and bond sub- scriptions in four minutes were City Manager Reed, Councilman W. L. Atkinson and De- puty District Attorney Fred L. Thomas.

A unique break in the routine of probate proceeding occurred in Judge P. F. Gosbey's court room when he gave permission to trus- tees of various estates to use funds for the purchase of Liberty bonds. Thousands of dollars, otherwise unavailable, were loaned to Uncle Sam by this order which the Judge expressed himself as "glad to make."

By Wednesday, June 13. 1917. the San Josean who appeared without a Liberty Loan button was not popular. Banks remained open

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in the evening from seven to eight for the benefit of subscribers. Up to this time only 361 out of 1628 subscribers had bought bonds directly from the banks. The banks were sub- scribing heavily, a large percentage of the en- tire loan being taken by them. Many signi- ficant subscriptions were made. The scholar- ship fund at the high school purchased a $1000 bond. The First Methodist Church purchased bonds after hearing an address by Rev. W. L. Stidger, the pastor, in which he said: "We are fighting today for the same thing that Jesus Christ died for-the conservation of human liberty and freedom."

Little Chester Olson, a twelve-year-old newsboy. read a flaming poster that said : "Those that stay at home must feed the boys at the front." Chester was patriotic-he had $10 in the bank. He asked father and mother for something. They agreed to help him. Proudly Chester went to the First National Bank and negotiated for the purchase of a $50 bond-$10 down and $2.50 a month. He made $1.43 in three days. Business was good and Uncle Sam needed the money. Later Chester's older brother donned a uniform and the little newsie was gladder than ever to be a bond owner !

The first Liberty loan went through with a whoop. For San Jose the number of sub- scribers was 4774; for the county 2228, mak- ing a total of 7002. The amount of the loan subscribed by San Jose was $1,611,300, aver- aging per capita $337. For the county the subscription was $707,050; per capita average, $317. The total bond subscription for the city and county was $2,318,350, with a per capita average of $331, and only six and one half per cent of the entire population subscribing. Invaluable aid during this and the second Li- berty Loan drive was given by Fred Lewis Foster, the able and patriotic assistant secre- tary of the Chamber of Commerce. He was combination patriotic assistant secretary, counselor, solicitor and publicity man and working quietly but efficiently he did a tre- mendous service.

On June 20, 1917, after the "smoke of bat- tle" had cleared away. Dr. W. C. Bailey, pre- sident of the Chamber of Commerce and sec- retary of the Liberty Loan committee, issued the following letter, addressing it to "The Ci- tizens:" "Now that the first installment of the Liberty loan has passed into history," wrote Dr. Bailey, "as Secretary of the Liberty Loan Committee, and in behalf of the commit- tec, I wish to congratulate you upon the won- derful success of the issue and to rejoice with you in this great exhibition of solid financial assistance to the government in time of need. We simply could not fail. Returns are suffi-

cient to show that this loan knew no territor- ial divisions, no financial cliques, no racial factions, but that it was a grand outpouring of the gold of the whole country by the rich and poor for united American democracy. We are proud of our local participation and we take this opportunity to congratulate all those who helped in any way to make this first in- stallment of the Liberty Loan so splendidly successful.

"W. C. BAILEY.

"Secretary Liberty Loan Committee."

Senator Frank H. Benson is the man who introduced the original state council of de- fense emergency measure requested by Gov- ernor William D. Stephens, to the senate. This was done on March 28, 1917, the measure passing without a dissenting vote. This pro- posed state council of defense, to be com- posed of three members appointed by the governor, was to be empowered to investi- gate and report on all of California's resources and military needs.

Local members of the council appointed by the governor were Judge P. F. Gosbey. chairman ; Henry M. Ayer, chairman board of supervisors : Arthur B. Langford, sheriff, Ar- thur M. Free, district attorney. Later Derol J. Chase was made secretary, and George E. Hamilton, of Santa Clara, and H. L. Haehl, of Palo Alto, were added to the council's membership.

Derol Chace made an unselfishly patriotic secretary, giving not only his entire time, but the use of his automobile to the work of the council. Not every one was quite clear just what duties belonged to this body of men, for the reason that their work was of such a na- ture that much of it was a secret shared only with their Uncle Sam. The objects for which the nation-wide councils were formed were to safeguard the welfare of the people during the war, to increase food production and pro- mote conservation ; to co-operate in carrying on business and industrial pursuits in a man- ner as near normal as possible : to classify all unofficial military organizations and super- vise their activities. In short, this council was to co-ordinate patriotic effort. There was one camp at Sixth and Santa Clara Streets, where companies B and M and a sanitary detachment were awaiting orders. Lieut. L. M. Farrell commanded the real fighting con- tingents. Maj. F. H. Paterson headed the sanitary detachment and called for volunteers. Telegraphic reports grew disquieting and the Sixth Street camp was very real. It began to disturb mothers and sisters, sweethearts and wives. Then, unexpectedly, that corner lot camp was broken up. Companies B and M left April 2, 1917, under orders.

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Dominic DiFiore, University of Santa Clara graduate, enlisted in the aviation corps and said goodbye. Local regiments were forming. Maj. Herbert L. Partridge, retired, was act- ing colonel of one regiment. Capt. Russell B. Tripp, N. G. C., retired, acted as adjutant, and Capt. R. B. Leland, formerly of the Na- tional Guard of Iowa, served as quartermas- ter. Four local companies were headed res- pectively by Lieut. Argyll Campbell, Lieut. William L. Howe, Lieut. Byron W. Gray, all formerly of the N. G. C., and Capt. Clyde A. Bostwick, formerly of the Missouri National Gnard.

Then City Manager Reed began the organi- zation of the Home Guard which was to take the place of departed companies B and M. A committee of patriotic citizens met at the chamber of commerce-just eleven men-and decided to have a city Loyalty Demonstra- tion. Ten Spanish War veterans, led by Capt. 'B. B. Kavanaugh, presented themselves at this meeting and offered themselves as a nuc- leus for the Home Guard.

San Jose's part in the great World War was really started at this meeting. The following Tuesday there was a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce. Dr. W. W. Campbell came down from Mt. Hamilton to tell about the stars. There came a time when three blue stars shone in the window of his mountain home-Kenneth, driving an ambulance on the fighting line in Italy ; Douglas, Captain Doug- las Campbell, later with the Aviation Corps in France; and Wallace, with the fighting en- gineers. The local Knights of Columbus and many other organizations adopted patriotic resolutions and the Sons of Veterans offered their loyal services.

Not everyone knew there were two Coun- cils of Defense in the city. On Saturday, Ap- ril 7, the North Ninth Street Council paraded. Led by Capt. Harry Vance, aged thirteen, came a guard of fourteen. The contingent consisted of a hospital corps of Red Cross nurses. Capt. Claire Declaire, seven years old, led them. The fighting squad, besides the captain, was officered by three first ser- geants, Ernest Declaire, Ralph Guther and Milton Dampier.

At the time of the first registration, County Clerk H. A. Pfister took his place on the Council with a plan for handling the big task. "It's a big job," he said, "but I can do it and want to do it for the cause." June 17 was named by the President as Registration Day, for all men between the ages of 21 and 31. Foreign speaking residents were reached through the officers of their societies and a speaking committee. Sheriff Langford, assist- ed by Dan J. Flannery, covered Chinatown.

Finally a halt came. Postage stamps cost money. Down in their pockets went the members of the Council to the depth of $5 per member. Derol Chace was elected treasurer by acclamation. On May 31, 1917. he resign- ed from the Council, shouldered a real gun and marched away.

W. C. Short, of the firm of Short & Ryan, was appointed to fill the vacancy left by Derol Chace's enlistment. The Council almost went down for the third time in the struggle over registration and naming exemption boards and war gardens and so forth. Plans changed. It was decided that County Clerk Pfister should have charge of all registration outside of San Jose and City Manager Reed and City Clerk Louis Bailey all that within the city limits.

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History of Santa Clara County California with biographical sketches, Part 31

Author: Sawyer, Eugene T Publication date: 1922 Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co. Number of Pages: 1934

Author: Sawyer, Eugene T
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1934