San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-07-10
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS FRIDAY, JULY 10. 1901

anu Gn6 MeAlCdDb, the young men
and maidens, old and young march
ing round arm and arm, all united as
one family in celebrating this gloriou
Fourth of July. He was pleased to
see this spirit Of friendship exist. 1t
was sure indication of closer re-
latiOn between the two nations than
ever existed before?
THE FOURTH OF JULY. WHAT is 1T?
1t is day that is dear to every
American. 1t was on that day 1l5
years ago that the American people
threw of the yoke of despotism, and
proclaimed their independence. 1t
was the Fourth of July that ins pired
patriot priest Hidalgo to call on his
country men add declare their Inde-
pendence from the mother country.
1t was the Fourth of July
that made it possible for Span
ish America to gain their iDdepen-
dence. Let the Fourth be blotted
out from the page of history and its
celebration stopped, this country
would soon be in the same condition
European countries now are. They
would be loaded down with taxes
and they would be held in bondage
by millions of armed men. Look at
those two repI blics, Mexico and the
United States, with q population of
nearly 100000 900, and less than
10000 soldiers. Look at the govern
ments of Europe! They cannot raise
money on their securities, nor get
mOneyed men to take them unless at
a great discount. How is it with the
government securities of Mexico and
the United States? They command
premium throughout the world.
What has brought all this about?
The Fourth OF July. 1t is day that
should be honored by every freeman.
1t is their bright and morning star;
it Is the hope of the oppressed ana
downtrudden of Europe, and no
matter what part of the world
Americans are in today, they will
find, as We have here on the
banks of the San Juan river, friends
who will join them in celebrating it.
Mr.. Robertson closed by paying
a high tribute to President DiaZ. 1t
is to him that the Mexican people
are indebted for the prosperous
and peaceful condition that now pre-
wales throughout the Republic. He
selected honest and competent men to
assist him in the administration of
the government. He also paid high
tribute To Governor keyee, The sale
and municipal officers, for the cOurte-
sis that they extended the A mericans
III celebrating the Fourth of July.
Mr.. J. ID. Copelan the general
freight and passenger agent OF the
road 10
graduated the Bro herhOod of Rail-
way Conductors tor the successful
manner III which they got up this
celebration, and to see such large
number OF Mexlcsns present on this
occs sion. The Fourth of July is a
day that is dear to the American, and
no matter what part of the world they
were IN they never forget it, He was
glad to see the good feeling that ex
is ted between the citizens of the two
Repu blics on this occasion. Mr.. Cope.
Ian then referred to the courteous
manner in which the officers of the
Monterey IL Mexican Gulf Ry. have
Deen treated by the President of the
Republic and the state and munich
pal officers. He hoped that the friend
ly spirit that he saw all around him
today would for ever continue, and
that they may live to celebrate many
FOurth's OF July on the picturesque
banks of the san Juan river
Mr.. John Grace, the general super
intendent OF the road, was the next
speaker. His appearance on the
stand called forth all outburst of ap-
plause, which showed the warm feel
ing that existed between him and the
employees of the road. He gave an
outline why the Mexicans should
unite with the Americans in CelebTat-
ing the fourth of July. He referred
his hearers to the hardships that
George Washington and his half
starved and poorly clad army had to
contend with lis years agOtOday,
when fighting the battles Of freedom.
He told them Mexico occupied the
same position that the American col
onies did until HldaIgo raised the
banner of freedom. They were OPP
pressed by foreign despotism, and
how quick they were to adopt the
American method of getting of them.
The patriot priest HidalgO saw the
sun of liberty rise in the east, shine
over an independent and free people
until IL set in the west. This inspired
him, and like him he raised the stan
dard of liberty, drew around him
brave men, whose watchword was
viva Mexico. And although he did
not live to see his country free, he had
no doubt but what he and Washing
ton were now in heaven locked in
each others arms and looking
down on US today, while we are cele-
brating this. our first Fourth of July,
on the picturesque banks of San Juan
river. How lovely they look while
enjoying the independence that we
fought and won for them.
Mr.. Grace then addressed few
words to the conductors of the road