El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1898-07-05
INDEPENDENCE DAY
Never Was Such a Celebration Seen
In FL QaSo.

tOurCn OF July, That was to become the
most memorable since the first one
dawned one hundred and twenty-five
years ago, broke pleasant and temper
preparations for q glorious day, and
citizens and merchants with very few
exceptions decorated their places of
business or residence with bunting,
flags, rOsettes, lanterns, and every
thing else that might serve to show
the patriotism that welled up in every
heart.
Bands were playing all the morning,
and gai]y dressed horses and bicycles
sped through the streets carrying men
and women. boys and girls, who were
making ready to celebrate the Fourth
of July in q way never before attempt
ed here. Evidences on every hand
demonstrated that the people were
reused as they had not been in q gen.
GRAFTON. There was an air of eXpec-
fancy in the very atmosphere, aud the
light breeze that stirred seemed to be
reserving It's strength for the work of
the next few hours.
Shortly after O'Clock, Mr.. Mallen,
Mexican consul in Ell Paso, raised the
flag of his government over the con-
sulate, and musical exercises by the
two bands of the Mexican army, in
honor of the flag, followed. After
this beautiful ceremony the consul
with his corps of consulate assistants
and accompanied by the bands,
called on Mayor Msgoffin, and through
Mr.. Mallen the president of our sister
republic presented his compliments.
Mr.. Mallen was answered in q welcom-
ing speech by our mayor. The band
then serenaded the mayor. Those wit
Messing this diplomatic. exchange of
courtesy were deeply impressed with
the affair and expressed great pleasure
at the good feeling that exists between
US and the republic of Mexico.
THE PARADE.
At an early hour the people of FL
Paso began to throng the streets to
see the procession. By the hour of
nine it was very near impossible to
get through the masses of humanity
enough red, white, and blue ribbon to
show in pretty fashion the patriotism
that stirred their hearts.
Parades are generally late, but this
one was not. At the hour of ten the
McGinty band struck up q march and
moved, coming up Ell Paso street.
This music was very good, and set
aire the fuse to the patriotism that
was only waiting for the train to be
fred that would set it alight and cause
it to burst forth.
The parade passing in review pre-
sented fine appearance indeed. The
clear the way. Then came Grand
Marshal A. Courchesne, with his aides,
P. F. Edwards and II. G. Borcherding.
The famous McGinty band followed,
and many remarked who heard them
that they :never heard them play
better than they did on this Fourth OF
July.
Following this division came the Sec
ond under the commands of Marshals
Ben Catlin, J. B. Badger, George
Ogden, and n. r. Wood. In this di-
vision were the different local organi-
cations.
Next came one of the prettiest fea-
lures of the parade. Marshal G. P.
Putnam, who was commander of this
division, did just as he told the people
OF Ell Paso he was going to do, and
that was to spring a unique surprise on
them. This surprise was one thorough
ly enjoyed by all those who saw the
display. Prof. Putnam had secured
two immense floats and chained them
together. SO there was no possible
necessary length to properly construct
q battleship on it. The battleship re-
presented Dewey's flag ship the
"Olympia". T he little boys on it were
all dressed in sailor suits and the little
girls in white and the whole was q
most unique display.
In the third division, Marshal Es-
cajeda, with aides Alderete and Sal
cido, being the commanding officers,
Also with this division was the noted
18th cavalry band of the Mexican re-
my.
The fourth division of the parade
was contributed to by our close neigh
Dor Ysleta. In command of this divi-
sion was Marshal Gaal, with his aides
Srs. Duran and Garcia. The McKin-
ley cavalry composed part of this divi-
sion, and the floats with the Pueblo
Indians were also in it. The Indians
were surprise to the people, as they
thought they would be dressed as
fighting braves, but such was not the
case; they were dressed as any of the
civilized Americans. The idea of
celebration with them was displayed
in their singing, accompanied by
music from g tOm-tom.
Following the Ysleta company came
the horseback corps of Ell Paso citi-
zens. This division was under COM
mand of Marshals w. F. Payne and
McPhetridge. The bicycle boys also
took place in this division with their
wheels all decorated, and they
made most creditable showing.
There were good many visitors in
this division too.
The sixth division was one of the
best in the parade. 1t was under COM
mand Of Marshal ST Ryan, with his
aides, Messrs. Ten Eyck, Pitman, P.
j. Edwards, and Simmons. In this di-
vision was the drum corps of No. 2
Hose company, who always offer their
services when needed and called on.
After them came the famous Rough
Riders, who were enlisted by Col.
Ryan. 1t seems that two or three of
the boys had been unable to secure
burros, for in some cases they had
doubled up and were two ON the same
animal, but it didn't make any differ.
ence, for the boys enjoyed it, and so
did the spectators.
The seventh and last division was
headed by Marshal Tom J. Holland
and Aide Tim Lyons. The 18th infap.
try band of the Mexican army was with
this division. Then came the fire de-
partment. First came the hook and
ladder which was beautifully DECORATED
Next was hose company number two;
on the carriage was little girl dress
ed in white and the national colors,
making q pleasing picture. Last in
this division was the steamer, all de-
corated, but she had her fires all a ct
ready for the match should q fire