The record-union., 1899-06-25
Five thousand People Cheered Him
Tremendously.
Rough Rider Veterans Joined In the
Ovation.
Greeted His Old Comrades Heartily
and Expressed His Pleasure at
Seeing Observation-Disclosures Re-
ception. All Along the Route
Refused to Go to q Hotel, but
Camped With His Command
Addressed the Veterans at
Night.

Addressed the Veterans at
Night
EAST LAS VEGAS IN. NJ, June "a.
The opening of the first annual re-
union of the Rough Riders Regimental
Association was delayed little time
by the railroad washouts which pre-
vented Governor Theodore Roosevelt of
New York, who as Colonel of the ia
nous organization of fighters and the
special guest of honor of this occasion,
was looked upon as the necessary fea-
ture of the formal beginning of the af-
fair. For two days the crowds had
been gathering from near and far I'M
til this morning the little city of Las
Vegas was filled as she has seldom been
before. NEARLY every surviving mem
Der of the regiment was present, many
regrets being expressed at the neces-
sary absence of Major General Leon
Rough Riders.
Colonel Roosevelt arrived here at 1:3O
this afternoon and was greeted as he
stepped off the platform of the rear car
with tremendous cheering from 5000
people massed around the depot.
The noted New Yorker was clad in
his Rough Rider uniform and was east
ly recognized by the crowd. He was
almost lifted bodily from his feet by
the press of persons anxious to grasp
his hand and as he and his party made
their way slowly to the Castaneda Ho-
tel the crowds surged after him. He
looked in excellent health and seemed
to appreciate the hearty enthusiasm of
the people who greeted him. AS he
walked down the depot sidewalk line
of Rough Rider veterans saluted and
Joined in the general ovation. A party
of Rough Riders and citizens met Colo
mel Roosevelt and party at Wagon
Mound at 11:45 o'clock. There We're
no speeches made as had been antici-
pated. On the way down Roosevelt re-
marked. captain Luna was the FIRST
man 1 spotted"
AS he met his old comrades in arms
he calculated heartily, I'm glad to see
YOU 1T does me good to shake your
paw" How are you," and similar ex-
pressions evincing his hearty sympa-
thy.
At Ration Governor Roosevelt made a
short address recounting the deeds of
New Mexico's Rough Riders and COM
plimenting the people of the Territory
upon the reputation that the Rough
Riders had conferred upon it. When
Roosevelt came opposite the line of
Rough Riders he commenced shaking
hands with the troopers and gave them
a most cordial and sincere greeting. He
remarked, Il am mighty glad to see
you, boys, and to be able to be with
you. l would not have missed this for
anything. If the reunion had been held
in Alaska / would have gone there to
see you"
The Rough Riders cheered him con-
tinuously and We're apparently equally
pleased to greet him.
AT Ration. the gate city of New Mex
leo. the citizens turned out en- masse.
Colonel Roosevelt was presented with
a floral offering consisting of an arch
way with a gate swinging open. The
design was made up of roses and car
nations with a background of smilax.
AT Springer the citizens presented him
with floral wreath. AT Wagon Mound
there was an ovation of the people and
the school children of the place sang
MY County, IT'S of Thee
vate car of Vice President Paul Morton
of the Santa Fe. Mr.. Morton was a
member of the party H. H. Kohlsaat,
editor Of the Chicago "Times-Herald.' .
Captain Day, Lieutenant Ferguson,
Lieutenant D. NJ Goodrich also accom-
panied Roosevelt.
Colonel Roosevelt. has promised to re-
main until Sunday morning at least,
Il - 81 -,.z.r-
tomorrow afternoon. He telegraphed
to-day to the local committee on ar
rangements to the effect that he would
accept no hotel accommodations and
wanted to camp out with his command
Accordingly, tent was pitched for
his accommodation in Camp Cochran.
The business meeting of the Rough
Riders Regimental Association was
held in the Duncan Opera House and
owing to the absence of Secretary Car
ter of Prescott, Lieutenant w. f. Dame
of Santa Fe was chosen Secretary pro
tenn. An address of welcome on be-
half of the citizens of Las Vegas was
made by A. A. Jones, prominent at
torney of this place. He said in con-
clusion:
We are more than grateful to have
assembled mere from the various Stdtes
and Territories this happy throng who
join us in extending to you our hos
pitality, love and affection"
Colonel Roosevelt responded rs fol-
lows, his remarks at times being en-
Enthusiastically applauded:
Colonel Roosevelt said in part:
Just at this time would not have
left New York State for any purpose
save to attend the reunion of my old
regiment. and for that purpose I would
have gone to Alaska, or anywhere else,
for the bond that unites US one to an
other is as close as any bond of hu-
man friendship can be. 1t was our
GOOD fortune to be among those ac-
cepted when the country called to arms
q year. ago last spring, and when ten
men volunteered for every one that
could be chosen. I think may say
without Boosting that the regiment did
IT. duty in every way and that its rec
ora Is subject for honorable pride, rot
only to the members themselves, but
the country at large. am proud Of
Won because you never complained and
never fifnched When you went to war
1,r,,s 1rvxrxv Won would not have any easy