The major Independence Day celebrations were cancelled in 1916, but many activities that weren't sponsored by the city would still go on.
From the Arizona Daily Star, June 29, 1916:
Fourth Celebration Has Been Cancelled
Unsettled Conditions Explanation Given by the Committee
There will be no Fourth of July celebration under the auspices of a joint committee from the Tucson Luncheon club, the chamber of commerce and the Tucson Rifle club, according to a decision arrived at yesterday.
Chairman McDermott stated that because of the unsettled condition of public affairs at the present that it had been thought best by the committee not to hold the celebration at this time. The committee feels that there have been great demands made on the public at this time, and it is thought that it would be unwise to attempt to carry through the extensive program planned.
Notwithstanding the fact that the joint committee has given up the celebration, it is probable that there will be a number of features on the Fourth for the entertainment of Tucson people. The Douglas-Tucson motorcycle road race will finish in the city between 10:30 and 11:30 o’clock, and there will be other attractions planned for the evening.
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One event that would still take place was a swimming competition.
ENTRY LIST IS OPENED FOR JULY 4TH SWIM
All persons desiring to enter the swimming events at the Y. M. C. A. pool on the afternoon of July 4 at 4:15 o’clock, are requested to register their names between now and July 2. Early registration is asked by the officials in charge to aid in arranging the events.
The list is as follows.
Forty yard dash; 80 yard dash; 440 yard; under water for distance; on the back 20 yards; best all-around diving; four men relay, 40 yards to each man; fat men, 20 yards; boys under 100 pounds, 20 yards; boys under 125 pounds, 40 yards.
Unrelated to the holiday, one young lady would be forced to retain her own independence, although at age 14, perhaps there would not be any independence at all.
BRIDE TOO YOUNG.—A general lack of confidence in the wisdom of a child of 14 getting married caused Justice O. E. Comstock to refuse to perform the wedding ceremony for Ramon Alvarez, aged 20 years, and Josefina Martinez, aged 14, yesterday. Parents of both young man and girl were present, but Justice Comstock declined to perform the ceremony. The age of 14 is the lowest at which minors can be married with the consent of their guardians.

