Note 492 — Chapter XXX · Conclusion.

The Fresno Republican in its issue of December 7, 1912, pays the following tribute to the graft defense’s “get-together” plans:

“They are going to hold a ‘burn the hammer’ celebration in San Francisco on New Year’s eve, for the cremation of knocking.

“It is a good idea, and one worth going the limit on. By all means, burn the hammers! But the only effectual way to get that done is for each fellow to burn his own. Unfortunately, when we begin knocking the knockers, the hammer we are after is usually the one with which the other fellow knocks us. There is no boosting way to dispose of the other fellow’s hammer. If we go after it, we knock it, to the further multiplication of knocking. But if we begin at the other end, with our own hammer, that is real boosting. Besides, it gets the thing done. What we do to the other fellow’s hammer may not succeed, and if it does, it is merely more knocking. But when we burn or bury our own, then we know that at least our part of the knocking is ended.

“The purpose of the ‘burn the hammer,’ or ‘get-together,’ is, of course, to bridge the breach left by the Graft Prosecutions. And to this end we suggest that—--

“The higher-ups of the Pacific Union Club give a dinner at which Francis J. Heney and Rudolph Spreckels are the guests of honor.

“The directors of the Panama-Pacific Exposition elect James D. Phelan one of their number.

“William H. Crocker give a reception to such members of the Oliver grand jury as have survived the boycott.

“The San Francisco Post issue a congratulatory edition, commending the achievements of Governor Johnson’s administration.

“Patrick Calhoun offer to take Abe Ruef’s place in San Quentin for a year, and for alternate years hereafter, until they shall both be purged or pardoned of their joint guilt.

“These suggestions are all purposely addressed to the side which is most clamorous for ‘getting together.’ Since they shout the loudest for ‘harmony,’ presumably they are the ones who want it. The way to get it is first to put away their own implements of discord. And no better pledges of intent to do this could be conceived than are contained in the suggestions here offered.”