The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1914-03-06

part was taken by the Spanish resi-
dents of Tampa who were dressed in
the full regalia and armor of the six
teenth century. After landing their
progress was stopped by the Indians
who came out from their villages and
made ready to fight, though they we're
somewhat awed by the favorable ap-
pearance of the Spaniards DeSoto
raises white flag and makes peace
with the Indians, giving them many
presents after which they are well
coined into the Indian village as
friends. This was one of the most
beautiful of the days attractions and
great credit is due those taking part
in its production.
In the evening four blocks of Frank
| lin street, in the main business Sec
| tion of the city was roped off and two
carloads of confetti distributed. Only
masked people were allowed within
! this district, where dancing and mer-
making was indulged in until 1900
| o'clock.
On Sunday, Feb. %, many places of
interest were visited, the parks, the
| U. S. and Cuban war vessels, the air
boats which took up many passengers
at $500 for 10 minutes ride. Music
by the many bands and speaking by
some prominent people.
Monday, the 23rd, began with the Of
fetal dedication Of the New Lafayette
street bridge, a handsome bascule,
double lift bridge, built of concrete and
steel at cost of $250,O00.00.
At p. m. heavy cannonading was
heard announcing the arrival of the
pirate ship with it's Mystic Krewe,"
who manned the vessel to the top of
its three tall masts. Landing at the
dock it was met by the mayor and the
city officials who turned over the keys
of the city to the king of the pirates,
Gasparilla, who was allowed full pos
session of the city.
At 5 o'clock came the great Shrin-
ers' parade in which over 1000 visit
ing members of the order as well as
the local members took part After
this or at 80 p. m. came the illumin
ated and fantastic parade which
marched to the bay shore drive where
the music of half dozen bands unit
$3.50 o'clock when the mammoth pro
duction of Pains fireworks was begur
which entertained the crowd unit
eleven o'clock when all returned home
tired, but well pleased with the man.
pleasures they had witnessed.
Tuesday, the oath, was seen th'
! greatest feature of the celebration
Starting promptly at, 1870 p. m th'
great floral and industrial parade
started from the Tampa Bay grounds
1t was without doubt the creates
e parade of it's kind ever held in tn
d south being about 6 miles in lengtl
}. and continuing until o'clock. Firs
d came Gasparilla and his "Mysti
e Krewe" followed by the mayor of til
city and the city officials, together wit
d the governor of the state and u.
e senators in carriages. Mounted pc
/. lice, soldiers of the National Guar
e from Ft. Dade, marines from the U. S
d and foreign war ships, S. w. veterans
l. G. A. r. and G. S. A. veterans wit
y their flags. Then followed man
IL floats representing the pirate vessel
s and crew, Landing of DeSoto, disco,
cry of Florida, twelve floats, one fo
l. each month in the year. Then NOR
e than hundred decorated automobile
t. in beautiful floral and artistic designs
p Others advertising Tampa to tn
r, world as the nearest port and gate
IT, way to Panama.
S West Tampa followed with NOR
II than a mile of floats depicting Tan
a pas great cigar industry where a mi
n lion clear Havana cigars are mad