San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1896-10-01


and appropriate decorations were
al around the sidewalk on both
sides of the street was crowded
and the crowd was kept from the
street by soldiers, who were stand
ing few feet apart. The balloon
les, windows, and even roofs Of
houses were thronged with specta-
tors, eagerly waiting the first pro-
cession.
1t was announced that the presi-
dent and party would leave the
National Palace at 9 o'clock, but it
was after 10 before the gay ring
ing of the Cathedral bells an.
nounced their departure. On they
came slowly but surely, for the
leading members of the party
have to walk. First came the
mounted police, soldiers followed,
then came various societies, the
city government, state officials,
the congress, many dignities, then
came tho president and his cabinet.
The president was in gala attire,
wearing his generals uniform and
all his decorations. He walked
we'll and upright for a man of his
years, but used a cane. There was
one thing that 1 noticed that SEEM
ed strange to me, yet am told 1t
is not at all unusual. Though he
passed crowds on San Francisco
street, and is without question the
most popular-even idolized-man
in Mexico, there was, to
mind, popularity that l
have seen IN no other
country. The bands played "La
Golondrina," Mexico's national air,
as he passed, the military saluted
with honor, but there was no pub,
lie applause nor cheering. The on
ly cheering he got en- route was
from the American club, which he
gracefully acknowledged by salut-
ing "Old Glory" that fioated above
it, and bowling to the applauding
members. The Queen of England
or the Prince of Wales, the Presi-
dent of France, the Kaiser of Ger
many, the Gear of Russia, the boy
King of Spain, or President Cleve-
land, could not pass the public
streets, especially on state occa-
sions, without the heavens being
rent with applause. The fact seems
to be that Mexicans are heavy on
celebrations but very light on per-
sonal applause. This seems GUS
tomary, but 1 have every reason to
believe that they love their presi-
dent none the less though they
don't make outward show OF their
affection.
When the party arrived at the
Alameda they took their assign
ed places in beautiful grand
stand, erected for the occasion.
Then a formal program was fol-
lowed. The Declaration OF Inde~
pendence was read; Lie Emeterio
de Ia CARA Grated in true spread
eagle style, and @. Amado Vervo
and G. Enrique Perez Valencia
recited poems in honor OF the day.
The bands, at intervals, played
patriotic airs. This ended the
formal ceremonies and the presi-
Dental party took their carriages
to go to the National Palace to
await the procession at that point
and view it.
The procession was long and
grand one. There we're 10000 soldiers
In line, including many extra feat
ures. All the soldiers were we'll
dressed, finely accoutered, and,
though small in stature, presented
a good appearance. One main feat
ure was the fremen, and they look
ed we'll. Usually the fireman is
seen In an old military cap and
canvas suit. Today all had a
pretty uniform, blue cloth, bound
with red, and on their head was a
helmet, nickel-plated, adorned with
a red plume. But the ap.
paratus that followed would
have disguised little John
ME Tobin, your good fire
chief. 1t consisted Of one
steam engine, one-fourth the size
of your fine "James HI. French"
"Sam Houston" engines, several
old hand machines, hose carts and
extension ladder. One thing how
ever may fairly be said. Fires are
rare here and when they do occur
the thick stone walls prevent dam
ger Of extension. In fact one good
chemical engine we'll mounted
would, as a rule, do as much good
as the whole fire department.
The bands played well and the
soldiers made fine appearance but
the most popular and these were
loudly spplauded, were the rurales.
These correspond in a measure
with our Texas rangers but they
are really mounted police that
have charge of certain unpoliced
districts. Physically they are q
fine body of men. They are the
best dressed men in the army,
they have the best horses, for they
almost live in the saddle, and they