Weekly Calaveras chronicle., 1866-09-22
celebratation of the 18th.

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The morning of the 18th of September. the
Anniversary Of the Independence of Chilli.
dawned beautifully. Never have we witness
ed lovelier scene. The first appearance Of
the grey light of day was greeted with the
joyous twitterings of the feathered songsters,
and gentle breeze, soft as the sigh of de-
parting spirit. whose perfume-laden breath
scarcely stirred the leaves, rendered the hour
most delightful. Except few Heecy clouds
which hung like wreaths of vapor low down
in the eastern horizon. the blue vault of heav-
en- was unobscured. The queen of night, with
her glittering train of attendants, was rapidly
fading before the advancing rays of the g!o-
rious king of day. like a jealous beauty, un-
willing to witness his more regal splendor.
When the first rosy beams of the sun tinged
the eastern sky with red, they illuminated
the borders of the white clouds. giving them
the semblance of snowbanks tipped with fire !;
but as they became permeated by the the rays
their color changed, and they appeared like
islands floating in sea of flame. Flashes
of light, precursors which heralded the ap-
proach of the glorious orb, streamed up the
sky. resembling rubies set in sapphire.
The most extensive preparations had been
made for the celebration of the 56th Annver-
sary of Chilian Independence. Three mag
Ei6cent arches. handsomely decorated, and
upon which were emblazoned patriotic mot
toes, the coat of arms of Chilli and other ma
tional emblems, surmounted with the flags of
the United States. Chilli and Mexico, had been
erected in our streets. A fine band of music
had been engaged, and nothing had been left
undone by the Chilian Society. under whose
auspices the affair was gotten up, to celebrate
the day in manner worthy of the occasion.
The first thing on the programme was the
firing of national salute. accompanied with
music, at sunrise. Long before the hour
"old SOL usually makes his appearance at
this time ofyear. large assemblage of peo-
pie had gathered in the public square, and
were anxiously awaiting the moment for the
ceremonies to commence. At last the golden
beams gilded the summit of Stockton Hill.
and the deafening roar of cannon, the crash
of music and the loud huzzas which rose
from thousand patriotic throats, proclaimed
the advent of the natal day of a,powerful and
prosperous nation. After hearing the ma
tional airs of Chill, Mexico and the United
States. which were finely discoursed by the
band. and several of which were accompani-
ed with singing by a number of Chilan ladies
who graced the scene with their presence. the
crowd dispersed around the town. About
nine O'Clock, the Mexican Patriotic Society,
OF San Andreas. were escorted into town by
the Chilian Society. and as they marched
through the streets to the inspiring strains of
music attired in their neat uniforms, present.
ed very fine appearance. After conducting
them to the quarters which had been prepar-
ed for their reception, the ChIian Society
again proceeded out of town to meet the
Campo Seco Guards. As this fine body of
citizen soldiery marched in to town, keeping
step to the enlivening music of fife and drum.
their soldier-like appearance and martial
bearing were the theme of universal COM
ment. They were under the command of
Lieutenant Jthn White, who, by the prompt
manner in which he gave the necessary
commands, and the celerity and precision
with which his company performed the
most difficult evolutions conclusively proved
that he thoroughly understood the duties of
his position. The Guards are one of the old
stand best drilled military companies in the
county, and the motives which prompted
them to participate in the celebration of the
18th. speak well for their patriotism and lib
erality. At twelve o'clock, NJ. the Chilian
and Mexican Societies formed in procession
and were escorted to the Catholic church by
the band. where the imposing ceremonies
of High Mass were celebrated by Rev Father
Welch. At the conclusion of the sacred SER
vices the different societies were dismissed.
At two O'Clock the grand procession was
formed, on Main street, by DR.. A. H. Ho-
erchner, Grand Marshal of the Day, assisted
by his Aids. After getting the several COM
panies and societies into proper position, the
procession moved forward in the following
order: Grand Marshal: Band, 8 pieces;
Carriages containing the President, Secretary
Orator of the Day and invited guests; Cam
po Seco Guards, 80 muskets Mokelumne
Engine Company No. l, so members; Eagle
Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, 80 mem
bers; Swiss Society, 81 members; Mexican
Patriotic Society, 40 members French So
ciety. 25 members; Chilian Society, go mem
bers; Citizens. The procession marched
down Lafayette to Prospect street, up Pros
pect to Church street, down Church to Main
street. through Main to Centre street, down
Centre to the top of the hill near the cemete-
ry; countermarching, the procession return
ed to the public square. As it moved through
the streets to the soul-inspiring strains of
martial music, the glittering bayonets of the
military rejecting the rays of the sun like
polished mirrors, the magnificent silken ban
ncrs of the different civic societies, combined
with the national flags of Chill and Mexico
and the starry emblem of our own glorious
country, floating proudly in the breeze, form
ed one of the most beautiful and imposing
pageants ever witnessed in Mokelumne Hill.
The balconies of the hotels :rere crowded
with fashionably attired ladies, whose smil-
ing faces lent an additional charm to the
scene. The procession was halted in front
of the speakers stand, and after the band