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in Paris; the Italians have their own clubs and resorts where spaghetti and macaroni
are served in true Italian style; the Chinese have their joss house and tong societies
where they gather to enjoy the opium pipe and to discuss the greatness of the Celestial
Empire; the negroes also have their social gatherings and places where :"possum and
taters," fried chicken and other toothsome delicacies so dear to the negro heart are
served, and where they can discuss unmolested the great problem that confronts that
race in its upward progress; and finally in the city are the Japs, who though few in
number as yet, add another element to the already picturesque population.
In age, San Antonio is one of the oldest of American municipalities that can claim
the distinction of still being a great city. Eight flags representing eight distinct govern-
ments have floated from the Alamo. The first was the tri-colored banner of the Spanish;
later that of the French; then the flag of the Mexican Republic; followed by the Mexican.
state flag; the Texas Republic; the United States flag; the Confederate stars and bars;
and again the United States flag.
The history of the progress of civilization is tested by the archeologist by excava-
tions in the earth's surface. Each layer of soil is to him a page of history. Such labors
are not necessary in San Antonio. The streets which parallel each other can be readily
compared to the strata of the earth which it took millions of years to form. The main
business thoroughfares of this city are flanked by buildings which in size, beauty of
architecture, and cost represent the latest and best examples of the builder's art. One
street back will be found buildings representing the achievements of the generation pre-
ceding, and by faithfully exploring the city street by street one can find the mud-brick
hovel, the log cabin, the hand-sawed lumber cottage, the stone house, the brick mansion
and on up to the magnificent modern fire proof structure. In no other city of the world
is such progress more clearly defined than in San Antonio.