Reception At Albuquerque

President Presented With a Navajo Saddle Blanket by Commercial Club.

Albuquerque, N. M., May 6- The president closed the most picturesque day of his western trip with a stop of two hours in Albuquerque this evening.  His train reached here on time at 1:50 p. m., and he was escorted at once by a reception committee headed by Delegate S. Rodney of New Mexico, to a lavishly-decorated stand in front of the beautiful Alvarado hotel, where he spoke to a crowd of 5,000 people.

            The president dwelt on irrigation and its importance in the department of New Mexico, but devoted the greater part of the time to discussing the qualities that go to make good citizenship.  Directly opposite the speaker’s stand was a tableau representing New Mexico appealing for admission to the Union, forty-five little girls dressed in white representing the states, while the one representing New Mexico was on the outside of the gate, at which stood Uncle Sam.

            The president said that when New Mexico had a little more irrigation there would be nothing the matter with the little maid on the outside.

Drive About the Town.

            From the Alvarado the president was escorted to his carriage and the entire party was taken for an hour’s drive about the town, ending at the Commercial club, where a brief reception was held.

            Here the president was presented with a Navajo saddle blanket in which was woven in white letters his credentials as an honorary member of the club.  The president was greatly pleased with the gift.  At the club, the president was greeted by another big delegation of members of his Rough Riders regiment and he repeatedly referred to his pleasure in meeting them and visiting the country from which the greater part of the regiment was recruited.

            Governor Otero of New Mexico and Governor Brodie of Arizona accompanied the president to Albuquerque from Santa Fe.  Governor Brodie will be the president’s guest until he passes out of Arizona.

From: The Morning Olympian, Olympia, WA, May 7, 1903