Weekly Calaveras chronicle., 1868-09-26
The Celebration of the 18th.

Friday, the 18th of September. the 58th
anniversary of the independence of Chilli,
was gala day in Mokelumue Hill. Exten-
sive preparations for the proper observance
of the day which marks the most important
epoch in the history of our sister Republic,
had been made under the auspices of the
Chilean Society. and nothing left undone
which could add eclat to the occasion. A
magnificent arch, upon which were emblaz-
ened patriotic notices, the national arms of
Chill, and other devices, and handsomely
decorated with flags, banners, etc., had been
erected in the public square. The streets
were swept the night previous to the cele-
bration and presented very neat appear
ance. Our town was filled with strangers
of all nationalities, anxious to witness the
exercises and do honor to the great event
which called forth the display. One of the
finest bands of music in the State-the SUIT
ter Creek brass band-had been engaged for
the occasion. The first thing on the pro-
gramme was the firing Of national salute,
accompanied by music, at sunrise. The
national airs of Chilli, Mexico and the United
States were finely performed by the Band,
while a number of Chilean ladies accompan-
led with their musical vo ces.- The thunder
ing peals of cannon, delicious strains of
music and loud huzzahs from hundreds of
throats, proclaimed the advent of the natal
day of nation. At 9 o'clock the Mexican
Patriotic Society, of San Andreas, was es-
corted into town by the Chilian Society, and
as they marched through the streets to the
enlivening strains of the band, with banners
gaily streaming in the breeze, they presented
an imposing appearance. After conducting
them to their quarters, the societies dispersed.
AT o'clock the procession was formed un-
der the supervision of the Grand Marshal of
the Day, Edward Wallace, Esq, assisted by
his aids. After getting the several societies
and companies in position. the procession
moved forward in the following order:
Grand Marshal; Band, eight pieces Chief
Engineers Mokelumne Hill Fire Department;
Engine Co. No. Engine Co. No. q Hook
& Ladder Co. No. l /; Ancient and Honora-
BILE Order of Z Clampsus Vitus; Swiss Soci-
ETY.; Mexican Society; Carriages containing
Orator of the Day and members of the Choir;
Chilian Society.
The procession marched through the prin-
cipal streets, and formed in front of the
speakers stand. An appropriate air was
played by the band, when the orator of
the day, Don Augustine R. Balerine deliv-
cred an impressive address in the Spanish
language. At the conclusion of his oration,
which was received with great applause,
young lad named Ricardo Painter, entertain
ed the audience with speech. We could
not understand what he said, but his re-
marks were received with loud huzzas. Upon
the conclusion of the speaking. two young
ladies, Misses Martina Toledo and Amalia
Luna, sang the National Hymns of Chill and
Mexico, and the Star Spangled Banner, in
admirable style, and with exquisite sweetness.
With cheers for Chilli, Mexico, the United
States and Mokelumne Hill. the procession
disbanded. At o'clock in the afternoon
national salute was fred. In the evening
there was quite display of fireworks, under
the supervision of that distinguished pyro-
technist, Don Pedro Clarke, the band in the
meantime discoursing excellent music.
The ball in the evening at Leger's hall,
passed off very pleasantly. The music fur
nished by Messrs. Kay, Rice s Turner, we
never heard equaled, except by Church &
Jones. The prompting, by Mr.. Turner. was
excellent. At IL o'clock all partook of
fine supper, furnished by mine host of the
Monitor House. Dancing was continued
until late hour in the morning. Nothing
of an unpleasant nature occurred during the
day or evening, and the celebration of the
5sth anniversary of Chilian independence
will ever bring pleasing recollections to the
minds of those who participated in it.
t.Tu0ep L. of