Arizona Republican

UN GRAN RECEPCION.

Consul Senor Arce and His Estimable Family

ARE GIVEN A GRAND RECEPTION

Sunday at the Consulate on Van Buren.

An Eloquent Response Which Breathes a Spirit of Friendliness and Amity.

Twenty-five years ago Sunday Gen. Porfirio Diaz fought and won the most important battle of the French war—the battle of Puebla. He had successfully besieged the French in the city—and whipped them unmercifully. He immediately turned and met reinforcements en route and inflicted upon them an overwhelming defeat.

Sunday in this city the native Mexican population took occasion to celebrate the anniversary of the important battle of Puebla, and also to welcome at the same time the new Mexican consul, Senor Martin Arce, and his estimable family, Senora de Arce, Senor Felipe Arce and wife, Senor Benjamin Arce and the Senorita Lupita Arce.

The reception and celebration was held at Senor Arce's residence on Van Buren street and fully 250 persons were present, representing all the leading Spanish and Mexican families in the valley. The Mexican band was present and played from a well selected repertoire of national and native airs. Henry Garfias was chosen to deliver the address of welcome on behalf of the residents of Phoenix, but owing to ill-health was unable to be present. Robert Tapia was selected in his stead, and read a very pleasant address of welcome, in which he congratulated President Diaz on his choice of consuls, and Phoenix likewise.

Senor Arce responded in a happy and eloquent vein. He referred to the mutual interests which should unite the sister republics, and the good feeling now existing between our governments. He recalled the struggles for liberty which both had undergone, and the trials which had beset them in the fiery crucible of freedom.

He touched feelingly upon the sympathy and substantial interest shown by the United States towards Mexico during the Maximillian usurpation when 100,000 bronzed and tried veterans of the Civil war were encamped on the northern side of the Rio Grande, waiting to coalesce with the Mexican patriots against the French and Austrian hirelings. The Cinco de Mayo settled the French intervention and the Mexican people would always have a warm spot in their hearts for the blue uniform and the stars and stripes.

Senor Arce spoke lengthily on the present government of Gen. Diaz, and predicted his unanimous re-election. He was both surprised and pleased at the beauty and apparent wealth of our valley, and congratulated himself in being thrown in such a favored spot.

The consul's speech was frequently interrupted by vociferous applause. At its close the band rendered several popular native airs, closing with the National Hymn. The reception lasted until dark and was brought to a close by vivas for both republics, their presidents, our territory and the new consul.

The Republican again welcomes Senor Arce and his highly cultured family to our midst, and bespeaks for them a hearty Arizona welcome.