tlio Old Spanish Trail headquarters nt San Antonio supplied travelogs and special information. Then came Hnrrnl Ayres’ visit among the northern editors and the feature articles telling that the Old Spanish Trail country was open — and then the Saint Augustine celebration and the motorcade across the continent and that far-reaching publicity.
“The Old Spanish Trail is in every publication 1 see," wrote the superintendent of the Saint Augustine Record Company to llnrral Ayres. “No one except yourself could do this.”
The second motorcade, from Saint Augustine to San Diego, it: October, 1029, was conducted to again spread abroad news that the Old Spanish Trail was open from the Atlantic to the Pacific. This was organized by the people of Pensacola, 0. 11. L. Wernicke leader.
San Antonio Fulfills the Trust
The San Antonio Executive Board published its report and ail audit of the finances and declared the work of the San Antonio headquarters closed. Tien years of service had been given to the cause; now it was urged that others should take up the work. This widespread recognition however continues to keep the mail active with inquiries that entail responsibility and cost time and money to properly answer.
The Women’s Department Continued
The Women’s Department of Beautification, with most of its work still to be accomplished, has been continued under Mrs. H. A. Moos as National Director, and with a number of State and local directors at work.
Decoration From the King oj Spain
The Government of Spain had its representative at the Saint Augustine Celebration and ho delivered one of the addresses that dedicated the Old Spanish Trail to the American people and in memory of the old Spanish Fathers. Premier de ltivera cabled congt atulations in the name of Ilia Majesty the Ring. Now comes to Harral Ayres, who has led this work thru these years, distinguished honor from the Spanish Crown, and thru iiim honor and recognition to all that have done their part in this Old Spanish Trail work.
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The translation of the communication from Madrid reads;
PR ESI DEN CIA DEL CONSE.JO DE MINISTROS SECRETARIA GENERAL DE ASUNTOS EXTERIORES SecciOn Central Concilleria 1 II
Ilis Majesty the King (whom God guard) has deigned to approve the suggestion for authorization to favor you with the Decoration of the Royal Order of Isabel la CatOllea free of all expense.
In accordance with Royal Orders I inform you of this for your satisfaction, requesting you, in order to complete the formalities and to issue the title, to kindly fill out and return to me the attached sheet.
May God be with you many years.
(Signed):	E.	de	MALANDI.
SENOIt IIARRAL AYRES,
Coinendador de la Real Orden de Isabel la CatOlica.
A Concluding Thought In 1528, four centuries ago, a large Spanish expedition landed near the present Tampa Bay, Florida. That expedition of Piinfilo de Narvaez fought its way around to the present Tallahassee country. Indian opposition was vigorous. At the bay south of Tallahassee (hey called San Marco they built crude barges and sought to escape to Mexico. Some barges sank on (he way; others were wrecked on the Texas shore. Narvaez's treasurer, Nunez Alvar Cabezn de Vnca, and three others, lived slaves to the Indians for six years, the only survivors of the expedition, then escaped across this part of Texas, passed thru or near the present El Paso, and in 1530, eight years after their proud landing in Florida, reached Culiacan on the west coast of Mexico. Thus, may it be said, was the first Spanish Trail blazed across (be continent. During nearly three centuries following the Spanish carried their explorations and their mission works thruout the southern part of the continent. Saint Augustine, San Antonio, El Paso and San Diego became Spanish capitals and centers for mission works. New Orleans was settled and developed by the French and for a period was ruled by the Spanish and their works were extended in that Louisiana country. The Tucsou-Nogales country in Arizona became an important mission center. And thru these old Spanish centers the Old Spanish Trail of today carries travelers rapidly and in comfort. Relics and works of the padres and conquistadorcs excite interest and wonder. The people of a modern race pray the history and works of that pioneer and heroic race may he preserved for the enjoyment of posterity.
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