1 LpRIDA-TEXAS TRAVEL OVER THE THE GREAT HISTORIC HIGHWAY ACROSS THE Gu,NIIR Hotel-' 0- " ^ THE ALAMO OLD SPANISH TRAIL mexico-6alifork^^| SUNNY SOUTH ANDTHROUCH THE GREAT SOUTHW^. /j^ San Antonio, Texas. MEMORAHDA RESPECTING ATTEMPT TO CHANGE NAME* OF THE OLD SPANISH TRAIL IN TEXAS. May 26, 1925. \.y vvi 0 VN1' 1 Reports come from many sections that the people do not want any interference with the namo or work of the Old Spanish Trail. Schulonburg has signed a position with 131 signatures; this is being mailed today to the Highway Commission. Other towns have sent word they will unanimously protest this action of the Highway Commission. Press clippings from all over the State show that the newspapers, editorially and in the news columns, object to any interference with the name or work of national highways; these clippings also show a nice recognition of the value of the Old Spanish Trail, its name, its historical interest, and its importance to the State of Te::as. The Beaumont Enterprise published in connection with the Neches bridge opening "Some idea of how the public resented the change was brought out during the course of the remarks made by Hi J. Lutcher Stark in introducing Governor Ferguson. When he deplored the action of the Highway Commission in attempting to change the name of the Old Spanish Trail, there was a rousing response from those who had gathered to participate in the exercises, It was very evident that there was not a single voice to sustain the Highway Commission in its recent action, whether it bed been done largely through error, as was ir.tiir.axed by Mr. Smith, or intentionally, "The enthusiasm over the name was apparently largely brought about by tbs fact that it has for its foundation an appealing history and the Trail through Texas and other states it traverses have adopted it in its entirety." Junction, Sonora, and Balmorhea leaders have very positively said they want no change and that they will make their protest. Fc. Stockton Chamber of Commerce appointed a committee to pretest and decided among other things a delegation from the West Texas towns to Austin would be best. General J. F. Woltcrs, of Houston, thinks it best committees should call on Governor Ferguson and the Highway Commission; also that all who can should write to Governor Ferguson. Tne Galveston Auto Association unanimously opposes change. For many years a little group of women under the leadership of Miss Decca Lamar West of Waco have been pestering GST workers for permission or assistance to also mark the Old Spanish Trail as the Jefferson Davis Highway or to find some means to appropriate the project. They have never, so far as we know, given one dollar or one hour's time to the development of the project. They speak of the Lincoln Highway as a memorial in the North and close their eyes to the feet the members of that organization have spent over a half million of dollars to promote that work. They also ignore the fact that southern people have promoted the Lee Highway, and given extensively of time and money to do it, and that apparently this represents the South's attitude on this matter, Tney also ignore the fact that Old Spanish Trail members have spent ever G100,000 ir. money and ten years of work. Instead they dishonor womanhood by attempting a cheap piracy, and they dishonor xnc name of Jefferson Davis by attempting to fasten a label in his name «*•» some*t&kY