ied far out and
was never again seen alive.

As the people gazed on his lifeless body they began to realize what a
loss they had sustained. Threats of vengeance were heard on every hand,
which made it seem best for the founders of the rival Nevada Bank to
abstain from being seen in their usual haunts. A public meeting was
called, and long before the appointed time to begin the business of the
meeting the public hall where it was held was packed, and thousands were
unable to get in. One orator addressed those in the hall while the dense
mass outside, who were unable to get in, were divided and addressed by
two speakers. The several charges against him were in turn taken up, and
either proven false or shown to be justified by the excited populace.
The following resolution expressive of the irreparable loss the city had
sustained, was presented.

_Resolved_, "That in reviewing the life of the deceased. William C.
Ralston, we recognize one of the first citizens of San Francisco, the
master spirit of her industries, the most bounteous giver to her
charities, the founder of her financial credit, and the warm supporter
of every public and private effort to augment her prosperity and
welfare. That to his sagacity, activity, and enterprise, San Francisco
owes much of her present material prosperity, and in his death has
sustained an irreparable loss. That in his business conceptions he was a
giant, in social life an unswerving friend, and in all the attributes of
his character he was a man worthy of love and trust." When "All those in
favor of this say aye," was called, the answer came like the sound of
heavy artillery, and not a solitary 'No' was heard in that vast crowd.

Rev. T. K. Noble said, "The aim of his life was not to pull down but to
build up. What enterprise can you mention looking to the betterment of
material interests in which he did not have part? In the building of
railroads, in the establishment of lines of steamships to Australia, to
China, to Japan; in the manufacture of silk; in the Pacific Woolen
Mills, the Bay Sugar Refinery, the West Coast Furniture Manufactory; and
in those superb buildings, the Grand and Palace hotels; and in many
other enterprises I have not time to mention. Into each and all of these
he put his money and his brains." This was expressive of much, and it
very clearly represented the general impression of the people throughout
his State. He gave not only his money, but his sympathy.