The wisest thing which the sand-lot agitator will do will be to get out of town and hide himself away in some rural seclusion, until the storm which he has evoked by his rashness and folly shall have passed over. CHAPTER XXXVII. ARRIVAL OF GENERAL GRANT. The steamer City of Tokio, in which General Grant embarked for his homeward voyage, arrived in the harbor of San Francisco on Saturday evening, September 20. The long-expectant people of San Francisco had been for some days prepared to give a suitable welcome to the illustrious soldier, statesman and traveler, who, though a simple citizen, occupies a larger space in the world's regard than the proudest contemporary heirs of ancient thrones. The General's arrival at San Francisco completes his journey "around the world." In San Francisco the excitement over his coming reached fever heat, and the reception given him was on a scale of magnificence never before seen in this country. Every one, during the forenoon of Saturday, was on the tip-toe of expectation over his arrival. The city was densely crowded, especially the hotels. As the Tokio did not arrive early in the day, it was generally believed that the General would not arrive before Sunday. The Reception Committee were discussing the propriety of postponing the reception until Monday, when, at a signal given by the fire brigade that the City of Tokio was sighted, the fire bells rang, whistles sounded, and the thunder of cannon reverberated over the hills and harbor, and a general uproar was created. Every kind of business was suspended, and people poured forth in such numbers that in a few minutes the streets were densely crowded with citizens flocking toward the ferry down Market street. The sun was shining brilliantly, and the effect upon the decorated buildings, arches and flags was very fine. The utmost good humor prevailed; and, as evening approached, the streets were lined with people, and business wholly suspended, and the city turned out. Immediately on receipt of the intelligence that the steamer City of Tokio was nearing port, the Reception Committee, consisting of Frank M. Pixley, ex-Senator Cole, General Miller and R. B. Cornwall, repaired to the tug Millen Griffith, lying with steam up at the Pacific Mail dock, and at once started to meet the incoming steamer. The Millen Griffith stood well out to sea, and several miles outside the Heads met the City of Tokio coming in. The tug drew alongside, and the Executive Committee, quarantine officer and customs officials and a number of representatives of the press, boarded the steamer. No ceremony was observed, except a general shaking of hands, and after the committee had announced the object of their visit, and informed General Grant of the reception prepared for him, the conversation became general, as the City of Tokio continued on her course. Soon after the government steamer McPherson came alongside, and Major-General McDowell, commanding the Division of the Pacific, accompanied by his staff, boarded the Tokio and rejoined his old comrade in arms. While this was transpiring the general Committee of Arrangements, with several thousand invited guests, assembled on board the large side-wheel Pacific Mail steamer China, and a number of smaller steamers, while tugs took squadrons of the San Francisco yacht clubs in tow and started down the channel. In the meantime it seemed as though the whole population of the city - men, women and children had sought |