General Vallejo And Fremont

Wlien the destiny of the province of California hung in the balance, and England and Russia, as well as the United States, eagerly held out hands for the prize, General Vallejo imhesitatingly jave his adherence to the stars and stripes. Fremont doubted and imprisoned him, but soon set him f ree. One day during that imprisonment a young American officer, doubtless a spy sent by Fremont, rode up to the family residence in Sonoma, and offering to Mrs. Vallejo an English and an American flag asked in Spanish. ''Señora, which of these do you preferí" The lady looked at him a moment as if to read his purpose; then clasping the American flag to her bosom she kissed its folds and said: ''Thisis the flag my husband has taught me to love. It is the one he wishes to see wave over his beloved California." The officer smiled, and bowing gracefully to all present took his departure. A lady who stood watching the courteous' American as he rode away turned to Mrs. Vallejo and said. "No es Oso" CThat is no Bear), nieaning that is not one of the Bear Flag party.