The Florence tribune., 1899-09-23
Mexican Celebration.


 The national independence day of
 Mexico was appropriately celebrated
 at Florence on the 10th and leth insts. by all classes of Americans. When we say Amerieans we mean Mexican citi-
 zens as well, for all are true AneIi- cans, and those that sprang from the
 soil of America are justly entitled to the name. And it does not detract one iota from being born on Mexican soil, or of Mexican blood, or under the flag of our sister republic. proper ob- servance of the independence of eny republic but adds new zeal, new in- seiration and 6 greater love and devo- ton to all republican forms of govern ment. As all monarchial forms of government are in sympathy with others of like government, and enc mics to republics, so should snll re- publics be in sympathy with, and cele- brateas much as may be, all rspn blican forms of government that guarantee and protect equal rights and the i'rreatest liberties to the people. The Mexican people are never lacking in : patriotism. Their great s5rugg4e for liberty 80 years ago, that made them a nation and forever freed them from the domination of Spain, has inspired them with leye fer liberty and iB- dependence that places them in sym pathyrwith all people who are strug- gling for freedom and self gover nment. To the Mexican citizens here is due almost entirely the success of the cele. bretion. Too much credit cannot be given the Olivas band and their CO., workers whose efforts made the cele- bration a,succes. Space will not allow us to enter into detail, or indulge in individual mention of all those who participated in the various exercises. The city and plaza were elaborately decorated with profusion of Mexican national colors aud the stars and stripes. Old Glory held the pride of place. The large portraits of Wash ington and Hidalgo were placed side !. by side and appropriately oraped. A grand stand was erected on the plaza, scovereu with flags and bunting, and beautifully illuminated. On the even ing of the 18th the band discoursed sweet music; the declaration of inde- pendence was read, the Mexican national hymn was rendered, and speeches were made by some of our best Mexican orators. On the 18th the large procession formed on Main street aud passed through the princi- ple'streets and proceeded to the grand stand. The procession is pronounced one of the best ever witnessed in Flor ence. The procession was led by the brass bend, and followed by the car of state selaborately decorated, with young ladies dressed iu national colors representing the different states and territories, and with . fitting repre- sentation of the two republics, and this was followed by sn appropriate display of merchants and business
 nen, aud with various agricultural implements representing the progress end interests of the county. In the eveHing a number of patriotic speeches were made both in English and Span 'ish, and the whole closed with 8 grand display ef fireworks, after which grand bah was given at Heating hall. All present expressed themselves satis- fed, and no doubt retired to their homes with greater love for repub-
 lican form of government.
 s. R. Cooley watchman at the Rip