Arizona republican., 1891-04-25
A BATTLE OF FLOWERS Old Spanish Customs ,st
 Santa Barbara !, a .sx
For the Delectstioas of the
 PresidcAt'siParty
Visit to ths eld Mission and it's won-
 .sderful t}arden-Veritable Feast of Flowers.

their two hours drive through the prin- cipal streets of this "Crown of the Val ley." They had fine escort, composed of local military and civic organizations.
 At point in the drive, on Marengo avenue, the procession passed under a large arch, principally composed of calla lilies and having base of rare tropical plants. About 2500 school children were congregated about this arch, whence they showered President and Mrs. liar rison with such a profusion of flowers that those who followed passed over a veritable bed of flowers.
 Short visits were subsequently made to the residences of Governor Markham and Mayor Lukens. At II o'clock the train started for Santa Barbara.
 SANTA BARBARA, April 24.-After leav- ing Pasadena the train stopped for q few minutes at San Fernando, where the President was introduced to crowd at the station. B. M. Hawkes., formerly of Indiana, made a short address of well come. The next stopping place was at Santa Paula, where the President was cordially received. Here was displayed the largest solid floral piece the party has seen since it left Washington. It was in the form of sign board, twelve feet long and three feet wide, and was made entirely of calia lilies. Across it's face was the word "Welcome" in large letters of red geran iums.
 A committee of citizens boarded the train and presented the President with a 5-foot model of an oil derrick made of choice flowers. A speech was de- manded, and the President made short address.
 A short stop was made at San Buena- ventura, where the President was re- ceiyed by the local militia and by Cush- ing Post, G. A. R. A throng of people passed up to the rear platform to grasp his hand, and committee Of ladies presented him with several baskets of flowers and Japanese plums. Mrs. liar rison was presented by the children with large bouquet of orange blossoms.
 The President was introduced by ex- Congressman Vandever, and spoke as follows: My friends, cannot feel my self stranger. in this State, so distant from home, when am greeted by some
 
 fellow citizen who has spoken in your behalf was al old-time Indiana friend. 1 hope he is held in the same esteem in which he was held by the people among whom he spent his early years as boy and man." [Cries of "He is."l That you should have gone to the pains 10 make such preparations and to come out in such large numbers for this greet ing very deeply touches my heart. l have never seen in any State of the Union what seems to he more happy and contented people than I have seen here. l have no doubt these genial and kindly influences are manifested in the homes that are represented here, and there is sunshine in the household as we'll as in the fields. Our pathway has been strewn with flowers; we have literally driven for miles over flowers that in the East would have been price less, for which am very grateful, and everywhere there has been set up as having greater glory than the sunshine, greater glory than the flowers, this flag of our country. [Applause.l Every where have been greeted by some of these comrades, veterans of the late war, whose presence. among you should b9 aD inspiration to increase patriotism and loyalty and bid them an affectionate greeting and l am sorry cannot tarry with you longer"
 SANTA BARBARA, April 24.-The visit of President Harrison to Santa Barbara this afternoon was celebrated in most unique manner. It is the first time in the history of that ancient Spanish city that it has been honored by the presence of the chief magistrate of the United States and that it's citizens appreciated this fact was amply shown today by the enthusiastic character of their welcome.
 A large committee of citizens met the party at San Buenaventura. It seemed as if the entire population was gathered at the station when the train rolled in about 4:30 o'clock A procession was formed at the sta tion composed of cavscade of Spanish citizens in their native costumes, the Grand Army, a brigade of children and citizens in gaily decorated carriages.
 The party was first escorted to the Promenade de Angelais, beautiful drive bordered on both sides with noun. tains and dotted with picturesque villas Here they witnessed a"battle of flowers, ' participated in by ladies and gentlemen in open carriages so covered with flowers and green that they were completely obscured.
 Each carriage was provided with a profusion of small bouquets, and as they passed in converging lines the occupants threw flowers at each other with zest and precision. The utmost good nature characterized the battle, which was pleasantly interspersed with laughter. One carriage was boat of vio- lets and another was mass of pampas plumrs. The others were equally beautiful, being variously embellished with nasturtiums, wild mustard blossoms, marguerites, acasias, calla lilies, orange blossoms, marigolds, wistens, geraniums, roses, etc. The President and party viewed the pictur- esque battle from grand stand simply covered with flowers. There were four columns along the front, in the con- struction of which it IS estimated nearly 20,000 calla lilies were used.
 When the battle was finished, the President and party were escorted by the late combatants and cavalcade oi ladies and gentlemen, in Spanish cos tunes, to the old Santa Barbara mis- sion. The party were received here by Father O'Keefe, the Superior, and his assistants, and shown through that his toric edItce. By virtue of special dis pensation the entire party, including Mrs. Harrison and other ladies, were admitted into the mission garden. The President thanked Father O'Keefe very cordially for the special privileges ac- corded his party.
 The procession then escorted the