Uie Old Spanish Trail headquarters nt San Antonio supplied travelogs and special information. Then came I-Iarral Ayres’ visit among die 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 I see." wrote die superintendent of the Saint Augustine Record Company to
I-Iarral Ayres. “No one except yourself could do this.”
The second motorcade, from Saint Augustine to Snn Diego, iit October. 192!), was conducted to again spread abroad news that, (he Old Spanish Trail was open from the Atlantic to the Pacific. This was organized by the people of Pensacola, 0. I-I. L. Wernicke leader.
San Antonio Fulfills the Trust
The San Antonio Executive Board published its report and an audit of the finances and declared the work of die San Antonio headquarters closed. Ten years of service had been given to die 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 or its work still to tie accomplished, lias 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 of Spain
The Government of Spain had its representative at die Saint Augustine Celebration and lie delivered one of the addresses that dedicated the Old Spanish Trail to die American people and in memory of the old Spanish Fathers. Premier de Rivera cabled congratulations in die name of His Majesty the King. Now comes to Unreal Ayres, who lias led this work thru these vears. distinguished honor from the Spanish Crown, and thru iiim honor and recognition to ail that have done their part in this Old Spanish Trail work.
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The translation of the communication from Madrid reads: PRESIDENCIA DEL CONSE.IO DE MINISTROS SECRETARIA GENERAL DE ASUNTOS EXTERIORES Seccidn Central Concilleria 1 II His Majesty the King (whom God guard) has deigned to approve die suggestion for authorization to favor you with the Decoration of the Royal Order of Isabel la Catdlica 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.
SENOR IIARRAL AYRES.
Comendador 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 Panfiio de Narvaez fought its way around to the present Tallahassee country. Indian opposition was vigorous. At the hay south of Tallahassee they called San Marco they built, crude barges and sought to escape to Mexico. Some barges sank on the way: others were wrecked on the Texas shore. Narvaez's treasurer, Nunez Alvar Cubeza de Vaea, and three others, lived slaves lo 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 the continent. During nearly three centuries following the Spanish carried their explorations and their mission works tliruout 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 Tucson-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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