Arizona republican., 1910-01-10
The Watcher. In the Desert Mo to: To See the Sunrise --- To Greet the Coming
 Good
 (sHARLoT N. HALL)
isHARLoT M. HALL.)

y else little curls on the forehead as if motherly fingers had just brushed them up for portrait, One grave lit tie fellow perched on a cornice holds a violin in act of playing but the bow arm has been long since broken away Arms and legs are gone from many and only a few little aristocrats far up on the walls have the full comple- ment of wings. some of the figures are quaintly grotesque. but the human baby charm of them all bespeaks the forgotten artist. man who loved chil dren. and knew how to tighten the rich and solemn chapels and gilded and painted walls with touches of playful grace.
 This. beautiful old mission. probably the most richly decorated of any with in the United States, has seen much of misfortune: it has stood alone and un- cared for through the years when the Apaches drove out the Spanish settlers and it has suffered from pillage by relic-hunters as well as from storm and flood.
 Up to two years ago little had been done to safeguard it and preserve 1t to the future. though it is Arizona's most picturesque landmark of human occupation. not forgetting the strange and extensive cliff villages of the Navajo county. These speak of a for gotten and primitive race. this splen- did pile is one legacy from the yester- day of our civilization. it's hopes. and dreams and faith-the visions it fol- lowed into the wilderness. to find room for new and larger growth. and its care should be personal matter to every Arizonan.
 Two years ago after season of heavy rains the walls and foundations of the mission were in great danger and the interest of Bishop Grsnjon of Tucson was aroused to repair the danr age and prevent further injury
 Through his persistent and tireless efforts. continued for many months and at considerable expense. the weak points were braced with heavy stone and concrete masonary. roofs were mended or renewed. and considerable portions of the grounds were enclosed with massive concrete walls following the general line of the plan of the original builders. so far as 1t could be ascertained.
 The mission is now safe for many years to come and time will mellow the newer portions into the old and combine harmony with safety. There .is hardly another spot in Arizona amid which so much of romance and tra- dition fingers and if it is ever again in danger every Arizonan should come to the rescue.
 The Mass Of Mangas. "A legend of the days of Apache su-
 premacy.l.7 Years had the Mission stood alone, Its silent chapels bat-tenanted; On it's altars the gray owl nestled her
 young.
 And the ground squirrels burrowed
 above the dead By the western wall. nor stirred their
 sleep.
 Bare lay the fields. sun-scorched
 and white
 As black hawks scatter the timorous quail
 Padre and soldier and neophyte Had scattered before the Apache
 hordes.
 That swept the valley with death
 and flame
 Now up from the south like quail to
 their nests,
 Timorous. shrinking. they slowly
 came,
 Priest and people: to wiring anew From the sullen desert a grudging
 chance,
 For a life of fear and room to toll, NOr a quick-won end on a blood
 stained lance. With fragrant branche of gray mes-
 quite,
 And waxen yuccas fair and tall. Lifting their bells like hands in pyayer Slender and snowy and virgihal. And desert lilies as frail as hope They wreathed the altars. and lit
 once more The long-dead tapers. and set the rood Oyer the arrow bitten door. The rale Christ leaned from his from
 wood cross