San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1886-04-14
SAN IAClNIO.

One week from to-day occurs the semi
centennial anniversary of the battle of
San JaCinto. The veterans who took
part in that sanguinary engagement,
which decided the fate OF TeXas..and
practically freed her from Mexican
domination, will revive with just pride
the stirring scenes of those dark days
when the Republic was taking form and
successfully asserting her rights as
free and Independent commonwealth.
The changes that have marked this half
century since San JaClnto, the rapid
strides this vigorous young State has
taken since then, the marvellous deyel-
opment Of her resources and the rich
promises of her future, have all so Cbal-
lenged the attention Of her citizens that
there is some danger of their forgetting
the early struggles through which she
passed, and the debt of obligation she
owes to those who offered their lives on
the altar of her independence. The ma
tai days of nations and Of common
wealths should always be kept in per-
petual memory. They not only serve
to link us tenderly with the past, but
they keep alive that spirit of patriotism
SO essential to the well-being of all repre-
sentative governments. No more devoted
heroic, patriotic and self-sacrificing
men ever battled for liberty, and laid the
foundation Of a free republic, than those
who laid down their lives in the cause
Of Texan independence. Those who
shared their dangers, but survived them,
were their worthy companions, equally
entitled to share in their glory. To all
who remain, after the winnOwing of half
century on Times threshing floor, the
memories of this immortal day will come
with startling distinCtness as they re-
count in still familiar ears the tragedy of
those heroic days. There will be no
young men in that group of Texas vet
Grams that will gather at Dallas next
week. The seal Of Time will be set on
every brow, and the silver threads will
be many on the heads of those upon
whom all Texas will that day pray a fer
vent benediotion.
Free transportation will only be ac-
corded those who have new certificates
of membership. That all may under
stand just who are entitled to the honors
Of membership in this distinguished cir
ole, we give the four classes that are re-
cognized as forming the association of
Texas veterans:
81. All survivors of Austiu's old three
hundred cOlonists, meaning those who came
to Austins colony from 1921 10 about lS5S, of
whom but very few remain.
2. All soldiers and seamen Of the Republic
Tor prior proyincel of Texas, who served Il
term Ofduty against Indians or MCNieans from
the year $50 up TO the annexation of Texas to
the United state in lSij, really the 18th day Of
February, 1881
3. All citizens who were appointed or
elected 10 positions of trust, from lSaO to DC
tOber 18th, 1886, ufwhOm very few remain.
4. The widows of all deceased members and
the wives of all tho living members snail be
considered honorary members aud be entitled
TO wear veteran badge"
This will be the most distinctively pa
triotic and historic anniversary that this
young State has yet been called upon to
celebrate. All veterans" who can
should be at Dallas that day to share in
the glory as they have previously shared
in the perils Of this great Commonwealt
All honor to the Texas veterans. May
the memory Of San Jaolnto day be peg
petuated to generations yet unborn and
its anniversary be fittingly celebrated.
CARLYLE had a prophetic view of Jay
Gould when he wrote of zone man
power" The lash OF the "great cynic's'
inyectiye would sing sharply around
such a subject as the Missouri Pacific
autocrat.
The cry of "disintegration Of the
British empire" is raised by all the con-
sentative opponents Of Gladstone's
measures for home rule. This cry is
caught up and echoed by nearly all the
continental journals outside Of France,
These latter, viewing the situation from
Republican standpoint, are quite gen.
eral in their hearty commentator Of
tho measures proposed. Germany,