Las Vegas optic. (East Las Vegas, N.M.) 1908-1921, 1911-07-26
EVENT WAS SOCIAL TRIUMPH
DUNCAN OPERA HOUSE THRoNG-
ED TO DOORS WITH DANCERS
AND SPECTATORS
AUTO PAGEANT A FEATURE
GREETING EXTENDED MILITIA
MEN COULD NOT HAVE BEEN
MORE CORDIAL


a. last night than broadcloth and pat
ent leather and the boys who wore
them were the idol of the hour. join
ing with The Optic the people of Las
Vegas showed the soldiers Of the First
Regiment New Mexico National Guard
that they know the meaning OF the
word hospitality" and know how to
extend it to honored visitors. The sol
der boys owned the city last night.
1t was they who received the smiles
Of the prettiest girls and 1t was for
them that hearty cheers rent the air
and hundreds of flags we're unfurled
to the breeze.
The big event of the evening, OF
course, was The Optics grand mill
tary ball in honor of the First Regi-
ment. which was given in the Duncan
opera house. Just to show the sol
diers that they appreciated their pres
ence in the city over 1000 Las Vegas
people crowded into the opera house
to give them welcome. Many who
came with the intention of remaining
a few moments as spectators could
not withstand the temptation to
dance when they saw the handsome,
happy crowd of soldiers. The spirit
CT hospitality was strong and the sol
diers did not need introduction in Or
der to write their names upon the pro-
grams of the ladies present. A uni
form was sufficient introduction and
the soldiers merited the confidence
showed in them by demonstrating that
they are every one gentlemen as well
as soldiers. New Mexico should be
proud of the good looking young men
who are preparing to defend their
country and their state if occasion
should arise. 1t is certain that Las
Vegas is proud of them and enjoys en-
tertaining them.
The big auditorium was prettily
decorated in flags. The floor, thanks
to the efforts of James S. Duncan, ir.,
and H. P. Brown, was smooth as
glass. In one corner delicious punch
was served to the soldiers and their
friends. Attendants looked after the
wants of the dances in the dressing
rooms.
Dancing began promptly at o'clock
and continued until 1870 o'clock. The
soldiers entered into the spirit of the
occasion. 1t was essentially a soldi,
diers' dance. The riflemen had the
prettiest partners and were by far in
the majority on the floor. The ease with
which the large crowd was handled
was remarkable. Fully 300 couples
danced on the floor, yet there was moi
too big a crowd for pleasurable dane
ing. Over 400 soldiers were present
at the dance.
Governor Mills gave dignity to the
occasion by his presence. Colonel NJ
M Padgett, the host, Colonel Secun
dino Romero and Colonel Jose d. 'Senf
of the governors stan occupied seati
by their chief upon the stage. Adju
tant General A. s. Brookes, Solomon
Luna and other prominent soldier
and citizens watched the dance from
seats reserved for them upon th'
stage.
The entry of the soldiers into th'
city was like a peaceful invasion. The,
were met at the Plaza by the Create
Las Vegas band and procession o
automobiles over one-half, mile Il
length. The soldiers, riding in fou
trolley cars. followed the band. whicl
occupied car in the lead. The au
tomobiles fell in at the rear. In tn
first auto was Mayor K D. Goodal
The autoists were literally supplies
with fireworks which converted Til
parade into veritable moving fairy