.ksKA.vtUJi.. Don Ubarri’sjgp.ecch Don Ubarri spoke''bricfIv and in his native longue. His remarks, as translated, were as follows:
- ' Senor Harral Ayres:
I come to this old and traditional city of San Antonio, responding to your gallant invitation, to present to you in my official capacity as representative of Spain, the worthy £ondocoration of Comendador de Isabel la Catolica. which his majesty King Alphonse? XIII, my ..'august Sovereign, has graciously bestowed upon vou as a reward for your vork. and its sympathy and bnselfish remembrance toward Old Spain, 'thru' your success after years of untiring activities In securing the construction of the highway which links the Atlantic with the Pacific (from 'SafivAugus-t-ine to San Dlegohrtthru. the lands of our ancient heroes and conquerors: De Soto. Gal-vec, Onate, Mcnendcs. Cories, Balboa, Qoronado. the missionary fathers and others, and which the Americans have so fittingly ch'ristened with the name of "Old Spanish Trail."
The Spanish 'government seldom bestows the high distinction that I am about to bestow upon you. It was created In memory of the great | Queen of Castilla, label I, married to Don Fernando the Catholic, rulers who lived in the XV century, and who, as well known in history, lent very active, financial and moral support to the distinguished Cristobal Colon, discoverer of America.
The Cross of "Isabel the Catholic"- rewards those who, on this side ol the sea, distinguish themselves in ways that contribute to the prestige and distinction of Spain. You, SelTor Ayres, have shown iMs
he0
in the name o	,n61g.
K^TerngXcerJn that you
jrwsrs-
neople is entertained.
P I Palso wish to acknowledge my gratitude to an Illustrious mdy	Henry	Drougnd
who not only heteed ***«£	.
diligent way Smot Aj his efforts, but has also ten dered her beautiful and state-jy home for this official act, ,
I now so brilliantly displayed.
In closing'I wish to salute the noted personalities here in the official group: Major-Gen e r a 1 Lassiter, Mayor Chambers, Judge Robertson, Consul-General Santibanez of Mexico, and the presidents of these civic organizations of this city, Colonel Dichmann, Walter Walthall and T. H. Etheridge, and my good friends Dr. Frederick Combe. Werner N. Beckmann and - -Trofiro-Trcvino. To all of them I express my sincere thanks in the name of my ^sovereign and my ^government for the courtesies they have extended to me during my stay here, which will always make me remember delightfully my visit to this beautiful city of San Antonio.
Scn'cr Harral Ayres: You are now declared^ComcndaSor de Isabel la Catolica, la Ilus-trisimo.
I have spoken!
riro.
■-Mr... Ayres’ Reply Following 4 the applause, .which greeted the remarks of Don Ubarri, Mr. Ayres made a graceful response in recognition. He spoke as follows:
Serfor Ubarri:	f
The graciousness of ft is Kia-jesty, your f(jng, in honoring me with this Condecoration is deeply appreciated, the more so because it was wholly unexpected and because its high character and dignity show* recognition in your country of our efTorts in this southern land to bring to life the story of the remarkable works of the Spanish fathers, of that golden age of Ferdinand end Isabella and of the centuries that followed,
Wc have not been seeking ; to build merely a road. Y/c have found the history and works of those centuries worthy of our veneration and j wc hope that from this gre^t highway movement will come | the spirit that will restore j those old Spanish missions and other great works and | preserve them as a rich heritage to posterity and will preserve the history of those dav3 for the people of coming' days. I give you avurnnee that in some sections this : work of restoration is making , progress and movements to , revive the cultural aspects of that Spanish age arc growing
>
1 in strength.
I I believe I am primarily I grateful for tills condccora-tion because it is a recogni-i lion for the men and women that have worked with me.
I Opening this as a modem I automobile highway has not been easy. Many believed it i impossible. It has been made 1 a successful entciprise be-! cause groups in all sections along the way caught something of the vision and courage of the padres and :he conquistadores of old and would not let difficulties dis-j courage them. This gracious ’ act of your King Is a tribute to j all these Old Spanish Trail i people and I trust it may also I be an inspiration to our neople in the years to come to stand together for the continuance of this work that this Old Spanish Trail may forever develop, its attractions and its historical and roman-i tic background and draw ,
:	travelers from all over ihe .
world to it. The high resolve and (he unexampled works of the Spanish' forefathers are | constantly becoming better j 1 understood and better liked
I by our American people.
For myself and for all Old j Spanish Trail people I ask you to express to your Sjv- I creign and to his government, J our gratitude and esteem. To 1 you as the ambassador at this \ distinguished ceremony wc all extend our warmest greetings j for your charm and cordiality. ( May the blessings of life be ! with vou and your country i ami his Majesty your j(ing (thnpall time!	1