The Iola register., 1901-03-01

with their Springfield rifles and balos
This body was followed by the
vigilantes, men who draw no SALARY
from the city but who are available
for defensive purposes whenever the
conditions require it.. There were 20C
of these. The fire department filed by
next with their buckets, two joints
long-of bamboo, They halted and
the President felt about until he found
me and | was escorted to position
with the city officials at the head OF
the column and we started. | never
have been able to ride over the path
over which walked that dark morn
ing, though have tried it often.
do know that we walked great dis
tance, made many turns and many
stops but the band did not stop play
ing for a moment, neither did ditchange
selections. The leader seemed to be
of the opinion that he was doing well
enough and he let it go at that. | was
told that 1t was a compliment to me to
be out at this hour enlisted in this
cause. | afterwards learned that It
was the iailor who told me this and
don't know whether he was talking
shop or not. | hope he wasn't. Any
how | had the satisfaction of assisting
in the movement that spoiled many a
good morning nap, and at daylight
my condition of mind was much inn
proved 10y good breakfast and at
this particular time | noted the fact
that all was quiet. The people had
undoubtedly, been sufficiently ire
minded" and the drummers had
ceased their labors in order to give
theremainder time in which to "strike
in" and it did, as was proven
when | stepped into the church, u
part of the days program being mass
in honor of the day, and the plaza in
front of the church contained. | pe-
lieve, the entire population of the
place, outside of those who had gone
early and had gotten inside. Far
away toward the front of the immense
church were the stars and stripes. ac-
companied by fifty natives in uniform
with rifles. The service was in pro-
gress and as the Priest moved about
in front of the gilded altar, lighted by
many candles, Ithis guard went through
every movement prescribed for in drill
regulations except load" and "6re"
and in doing so many a beautiful
tableau was set for the eyes of the
audience. Thus was the day for the
Offering up of thanks begun.
Upon leaving the church the vast
throng assembled. on the plaza in front
of the 'Presidencia, a massive build |
ing of crude masonry, erected so long
ago that even the Oldest inhabitant
has no recollection of when it was
built. Little, if any, history was
handed down to these people and |
their traditions are limited. The
plaza, a beautiful plot of ground |
about four times the size of an Ameri-
can city block, had been elaborately
decorated with palms and ferns and
grasses, such verdure would, l fancy.
turn the heart of Adam and Eve green
with envy. On the whole it revived
the picture of paradise that grew up
in my mind out of stories told me long
before [ knew the art of reading. l
might call it the picture of paradise
that mother gave me while yet she
rocked my cradle, the picture that will
go with me to the grave. Elaborate
arches of bamboo had been construct
ed through which was woven palms
many feet in diameter, and ferns many
of which were ten feet in length. Cling
ing vines and graceful grasses were
interviewer with bunting and flags.
Every part, every stick of timber of
which the stockade was built was COW
cred with shrubbery, while here and
there on the plaza beautiful, decided.
ly inviting, coves We're constructed so
that the weary might rest and the
thirsty might drink, as water pure.
'"' oHBHiiNh III uDuuuuuCt.
The "Presidencia" was solid mass
Of greenery. Few flowers were in
evidence as thisscountry produces but
few. From the mud-daubed balcony
Of this antiquated structure the city
and other citizens delivered
addresses to the people in the Ilocona
language. | don't know what they
said but | frequently heard the words
''veva los Americons," which was in
'ariably followed by storms of APP
'lause, Native public speakers here
Ire not selfish, not one bit of it, for
when speaker stood up he at once
commenced to talk, he continued at it
until he had finished and without the
assistance of the ever convenient
Now therefore, " "Now in con-
'lusion," etc. He said his little say
md sat down just in time to get his
1paH ont nf tba ,t,o ~ g ~ 1.-----