San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1896-12-13
HISTORIC SAN ANTONIO,
Contlnued From mind page.

~ efficient in the preservation of law
and order. 1t is presided over by
City Marshal w. d. Druse.
The fire department is abreast of
the times, and is thoroughly equipped
11ith modern appliances and machin-
cry for the extinguishment of fires, the
rescuing of life and saving Of proper
U- When their season of eXertiOn
comes round, they are found up to
the standard.
Both the police and fire departments
are ut present under the control of the
city administration, and consequently
influenced more or less by the pre-
dominating power Some think it
would be better to have these depart
ments under the supervision of police
and fire commissioners. The eXper-
fence of other large cities would seem
70 Justify this. 1t undoubtedly would
elevate the departments and brush
away certain partialities invariably
iavished by the prevailing party,
without saying ought as to the morali-
zing effect amongst the officers and
men in file, who would thus be forti-
fed and encouraged by the fact, that
appointment, retention and promotion
would accompany and be recognized
only by merit and ability. This would
relieve the chief executive of the city
OF n great deal of labor and let his
honorable exertiOnS be directed more
theoretically to other equal and i'm
portant public matters TO which the
city in its present condition warrants.
such as improved streets, bridges,
drainage and sewerage, sanitary mat
tiers the amelioratiOn of the condition
and administration of public institu-
tons, etc.
Those from the north and east and
foreign lands coming here in the win
ter, and leaving their friends and ac-
auaintances to amuse themselves with
mercurial points around zero, are
agreeably surprised to be welcomed
by garden spots of seeming perpetual
bloom, where under the canopy of
tropical trees and plants, and sur
rounded by ferns and flowers which
grow luyuriantly, they inhale the per-
fumed and invigorating air. 1t is
then an adequate idea possesses them
of the beauty and sweetness and sur
rounding what IS known here as the
'-pIazas" which attract the attention
and admiration of every one, and
evokes such explanations of delight
and surprise.
This is not the place nor mine the
province to give, a more complete his
tory of these beautiful and delicious
spots. They produce their own i'm |
hot
matte influence.
Much has been chronicled relative |
to the objects of interest ever pleas
ant to the sightseer in and surround |
ing the city, such as the old Alamo, |
the Missions, etc. As they have been |
fairly set to by writer's thereof, will |
content myself by adding thereto that |
they are evidence of some stirring re-
membrance and exalting thoughts,and |
that visits to such memorials of pa
friotism and sacred soil, but deepns |
the respect for them, as they wildly |
rekindle the imagination with historic |
deeds and cause patriotic words to roll |
like majestic chant through the men,
CRY.
The city is studded with other parks |
and pleasure resorts. but an enumera-
ton Of the same is dispensed with, as |
they might tire even the most mild |
~ reader.
Sweet is our welcome of the brave |
who live and die for their native |
land Thus salute Fort Sam Hous-
tom This post, the second largest in |
the United States, is to be found in
the northeastern suburbs of the city.
1t is also. the headquarters of the mill |
tary department of Texas, under
Brigadier General Y. r. Bliss in com
mand, with staff. The upper post is
the headquarters of the Fifth regi-
ment of United States cavalry, Col.
T. b. Wade, commander, with respec-
five staff; four troops of cavalry, two
batteries of light artillery and six
companies of infantry. The troops at
the post number about 700 men alto
=ether. The government reservation
covers 1852 acres, the splendid
grounds Of which are utilized for in
fantry dress parades and drills by
companies of infantry and cavalry as
well as for Inspections and other mill |
tary functions.
There are open air concerts daily
nv the cavalry band. The public and
visitors are invited to view these ex-