Arizona republican., 1903-07-27
MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE
Junta PatriOtica Bali and Selection
 of Float Queens.

Goddess of Liberty, Senorita Refugita Serrano.
 Goddess of Justice, Senorlta Isabelita Serrano.
 America, Senorta Carmelita Arviso.
 United States. Miss Annie Christen- son.
 Mexico. Senorita Lolita Valencia.
 Those are the names of the young ladies chosen Saturday night to fill positions of honor on the occasion of the celebration of Mexican independ- ence in this c..y. and which celebra- ton has been arranged this year to cover a period Of three days of festivi- ty. September 15. 16 and -.
 The celebration in the very nature of t,...ss ought always to cover two days. the 18th and 16th and this year the third day has been added to make the incident one of territorial importance and give additional time for sports that win be provided for the entertain ment of the eXcursionists It is expected will be here to participate. The first blow for the liberty of Mexico was struck at II D. m. September 18th. though independence was not declared till the next day. Further, September 18th is the anniversary of the birthday of President Diaz. and the Mexico of today has as much reason to consider his advent into the world an incident of national importance as 1t has the seVering of relations that bound it to a throne.
 The grand ball held Saturday night in O'Neill hall under the auspices of the Junta PatriOtica, was for three purposes One was to make closer the relations between the Mexican colony and the American residents, who will unite with them in making the cele- bration a success. Another was for the purpose of raising funds to swell the treasury of the Junta Patriotica. which will have charge of the celebra- tion, and the third was the selection of the young ladies who are to ride in the principal state floats in the parade. Every purchaser of ticket to the ball was entitled to a vote for one candi- date for each of the positions to be filled and the result of that election is given at the beginning of this article.
 The ball was a magnificent social success. All arrangements were care fully made and well carried out. Gov ernor Brodie and Miss Lolita Valencia, chosen to represent Mexico in the pa rade. led the grand march. IT was a military march, interestingly and gracefully executed. Among other notable guests were George H. Smalley. Governor BTodie's private secretary. and Mrs. Smalley. The hall was beau tifully decorated in Mexican and Amer ican flags and among the pictures dis played in the room were those of Washington and Hidalgo. the respect i've fathers of the sister republics, and Roosevelt and DiaZ, the present presi- dents.
 An orchestra was specially composed for the occasion, including some mem bers of the Curtiss company. some members of the Pioneer band and Prof Strobridge at the piano. The dancing lasted long past the midnight hour. and there were refreshments for all who wished them.
 The various committees of the Junta Patriotica are working hard for the success of the celebration and feel gratified with the progress made. The young ladies are daily rehearsing the musical selections they are expected to furnish, and altogether the arrange ments indicate that the celebration will be one of the most spectacular events that ever occurred in Phoenix.