Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-02-09
BY REX COLLIER.

BY REX COLLIER.
Ceremonious Ecuador greeted Good
Will Ambassador Hoover with a mill
tary fanfare in sharp contrast to the
informality of the welcome extended by
unmilitary Costa Rica.
The government must have modified
for the occasion. not only the entire
army, but all Of the fire companies in
the republic.
It was learned later, as a matter OF
fact, that Ecuador's firemen compose
the National Guard, and that Guaya-
quill contributes the great majority oil
these. The city has become noted for
the size of its fire-fighting force and
the splendor of its uniforms and equip
ment. The department Is not a mere
ornament, either, for GuayaQuils- in
fiammable frame buildings afford the
companies plenty of action in the dry
season. The city has had number OF
major CONGREGATIONS since its founding
in the sixteenth century.
The colorful trappings of the mill
tary, the glittering uniforms and he'll
NETS of the firemen, the groups OF
copper-faced boys and girls on dress
parade and the huge throngs of cheer
ing spectators estimated to have num-
bered more than 0,000-formed a
kaleidoscope pageant that dazzled the
North Americans.
Spread Out for Miles.
The crowds had spread out along the
water front for fully miles to witness
the approach of the American cruiser
bearing the Hoover mission of friend
ship. As many as could be accom-
modated had swarmed into motorhoatS
steamboats,, rowboats and canoes and
the nondeScript fleet swarmed about
the big cruiser like bees about hive.
Every craft that had a siren, whistle
or horn Shrieked welcome.
The wharveS and warehouses and fac
tories that stretched for many blocks
along the Guayas River had become
improviSed grandstands, from whose
flag draped heights thousands of mer
and women and children waved and
shouted their acclaim. The scores OF
trading vessels tied up at the docks
were f1uttering with pennants and THEN
deep-throated whistles were tied wide
open.
As the Cleveland came to anchor In
midStream a battery on shore fired the
presidential salute and the guns Of the
American cruiser made thunderouS re-
Spouse. The crowds that had lined the
shore far down the stream were en-
gagged in a rush to the new concrete
dock, where the boats from the cruiser
were to put in. The soldiers and police
formed close lines to hold the people in
bounds.
River Has Treacherous Currents.
The turgid Guayas River has treach-
erous currents to vex strange navlgators
and it attempted to display its treachery
to the launches bearing the good will
party ashore. The muddy torrent
fought gamely to hold the boats back,
and one of the open motor boats occu-
pied by correspondents and photogra-
pliers ducked sideways into several of the
waves, 6renching the trousers and feet
of the passengers and wetting the plate
Of some of the cameramen.
This boat finally gave up the attempt to
land at the main dock, and put Its pas
sengerS ashore at decrepit private
wharf nearby.
A long line of glistening automobiles
was parked on the broad avenue which
parallels the waterfront. AS far as the
eye could see down that thoroughfare,
but recently transformed from an ex-
panse of dust to modern paved boule-
ward, were troops in dress formation,
drawn up at the curb. The sidewalks
were banked with humanity, and Amer
lean and Ecuadorian flags were draped
from all the buildings.
The procession Of cars, with the
HooverS at the forefront, started for
ward slowly, with flourish of trumpets
and a clatter of cavalry horses ahead.
The automobiles moved past count
less companies Of magnificently uni
formed cadets, infantrymen, artillery
the units stood rigidly at attention. The
array OF immaculate uniforms was pris-
matte in effect. Undoubtedly many OF
the companies had been furnished COM
plete new outfits for the reception, and
every bit of steel or brass bedecking
the equipment had been FURNISHED to
mirror like brilliance.
Pomp Of Old Rome Reflected.
The uniforms of the troops reflected
the pomp of old Rome, for Ecuador 5
army is Italian-trained. A military
mission of five italian officers had been
imported to school Ecuadorian soldiers
in the European methods of warfare,
and the Italian influence had affected
even manner Of dress.
At numerous points along the line
of march classes of small schoolgirls
in fluffy white dresses and boys in spot
less holiday clothes were stationed far
out In the street, in front OF the troops,
and the youngsters smiled and waved
r.~nn$iv1nc %o tho Sfra f1Un ~fnnkinp
blond passengers in the big automobiles
The cars halted finally before an i'm
posing white building, recently taken
over BY President Ayora as his official
residence In the port. A vast crowd
had assembled in front of the palace
and troops formed 9 human stockade
to keep the spectators In restraint.
Minister Bading escorted Mr.. Hoovei
into the building and up richly car
peted staircase to the main reception
room on the second floor. There oc-
Cured the formal meeting between the
American President-elect and Ecuador's
renowned physician-President. DR.. Isl
dro Ayora. DIR. Ayora honored Mr.. Hoo
yer with the Latin "abrazo," or embrace
of friendship. Sonora Ayora and Mrs
Hoover also were introduced.
Crowds Stage Demonstration.
The crowd outside was growing hoarse
shouting repeated demands for "Presi-
dente Hoover" so. the group OF digni-
taries in the room escorted Mr.. and
Mrs. Hoover to a balcony overlooking
the street. A renewed cheer went up
with cries of viva Hoover" and viva
Ayora" predominating.
with the appearance on the balcony
of the Hoovers, the troops and other
marching units joined in a pretentious
parade past the presidential house, with
bands playing and colors flying. AL
the uniformed groups that had lined
the streets swung into the procession
As each unit came abreast Of the palace
sabers were flourished and flags were
dipped in salute.
It was q bewildering show, a spon-