The copper era and Morenci leader., 1912-09-20
INDEPENDENCE DAY DULY CELEBRATED
 IN CLIFTON
Tremendous Gathering Sunday and Monday to Commemorate the Birth of the Republic of Mexi- co-Parade, Speaking, Danc- ing and Festivities Enjoyed
 by Thousands.

co-Parade, Speaking, Oanc-
 ing and Festivities Enjoyed
 by Thousands.
 The 18th of September was eXten- sively celebrated by the Mexican peo- pie of Clifton and surrounding dis tricts. Large crowds came in from all directions and the biggest cele- bration of it's kind was enjoyed in the history of this section. It would be hard to estimate the number in at tendance but many place same at five thousand. At any rate it was a big crowd and everything was pleas ant and orderly.
 It speaks we'll for the people that so many people can celebrate as was done and nothing occurred to mar the occasion in any manner, whatever. All manifested the best spirit posSi- ble. enjoyed the occasion for two days in their several ways of enjoyment and returned to their numerous pur- suits we'll pleased with the festivities and contented with life.
 This occasion is in commemoration of the victorious MeXicans over tha Spanish.
 One hundred and two years ago, on Sept. 15, 1910, began the Mexican war of independence, which several years later resulted in liberation from the Spanish yoke that the nation had en- dured for nearly two centuries. The cry of Independence" was raised according to national tradition, at Il o'clock on the night of the 18th of September. For that reason, the cele bration all over the republic begins at Il o'clock on the 18th of September.
 To the Mexican race this cry is known as "El Grito," which translated means literally The Cry It was raised by Hidalgo, the militant Cath olic priest who is looked upon as the father of his country" This signal for the starting of the war of inde- pendence was given by Hidalgo in the village of Dolores, state of Hidalgo, famous martyr Hida1go was cap tured and executed by the Spaniards before Independence had been won, but the flame he kindled was never quenched-
 The festivities began in Clifton on Sunday and the crowds began to gath CT at the big platform across the river where program of speaking and oth- CT entertainment was carried out. The line of procession of the several or ders was formed on Chase Creek and headed by the band proceeded in line of march to the pavilion. Here fine program was carried out as . scheduled. Oratory and music was in the air and lasted for several hours The local band did fine ser vice and played music which pleased everybody. One of the speakers of the evening was Hon. Dan Lynch, who adressed the multitude with telling effect. MT. Lynch dwelt particular ly upon the subject of good govern ment and what the requirements of citizenship really are. His address was received with genuine pleasure and wrapt attention throughout. There was a number of Mexican speakers who addressed their people on the is sues of the day. The present MeXi- can revolution was generally deplored and hopes of speedy restoration of their country to quiet was hoped for.
 Then came the dance and the pavil- lion was crowded. The music was good and many of the popular Mexican airs were played.
 On Monday the big procession be- gan to form at upper Chase Creek at g o'clock. When the big procession began down Chase Creek to nortn Clifton, thence to Shannon Hill and back across the river down to the pa- vilion where the march ended The procession was one of the longest ever seen in Clifton and was well re presented by local orders and business houses. Many of the floats were very pretty and were in keeping with the occasion.
 First came the officers, mounted, wearing emblems of the occasion. Following these came the band which Giscoursed music throughout the march. Then came a large float wica banners containing a load of young ladies who were all dressed in white and looked well in keeping with the occasion. One of the local lodges having following came next and dis played several very beautiful banners Two other Mexican orders followed in regular order making the three local orders of Clifton, being well repre- scented.
 A float decorated with military flags drawn by four horses and carrying a number of young women came next in the line of march and attracted much attention. This was followed by the Club Eden having a large follow ing on foot. The numerous colors of the members of this order made the representation generally admired. After this came a long line of buggies and carriages and long line of child ren. The arrangement was particular ly good and merited the congratula- tions of the committee in charge.
 At night the dance was continued at the pavilion and a tremendous throng assembled The cannonading during the night resounded up and down the canyons giving martial sig nificance to the occasion andsuggested the series of battles which were fought out during the long war in which the republic of Mexico was es- tablisied.