November 12, 1918
Many Unusual Scenes Enacted During Evening Wind-Up of Peace Festivities.
Girls Set Pace in Maddest Revelry El Paso Has Ever Known.
While the city yesterday was just warming up for the grand demonstration at night that brought to an end 24 hours of mad celebration of the signing of the peace armistice, bankers and business men of El Paso were giving serious thought in planning the part that will be taken by the border metropolis in reconstruction work. Hack of the celebration there was a serious aide, which was realized by the heads that remained cool. In all probability commercial interest throughout the southwest will begin to pick up now that the world is thinking of peace. Then, the trade situation with Mexico is not to be passed over lightly in these early days of reassembling broken bits of business.
GREAT RELIEF – There was another picture yesterday that was as impressive as the financial view. Women war workers, who have been tireless in their efforts, were able to cry a bit in relief.
“It is wonderful to feel that the war is over,” said one.
Drunk with excitement, women and girls set the pace in the maddest revelry El Paso has known. Motor trucks and automobiles became triumphal chariots where disheveled girls rode astride the radiators and on top of the folded tops, regardless of reckless display of silken hosiery, or clung in clusters to the necks of drivers to keep from falling off while they sounded their wild bean of victory over Germany.
CLOSED FOR DAY – It was not alone a peace celebration. It was a celebration of victory over Germany. It was “To hell with autocracy” everywhere.
“We have the Kaiser,” was a favorite sign on dummies seen on many cars.
“Closed for the day, To hell with Germany.” was the sign that appeared in one store window. The stores had to close. The workers had left to celebrate. No one thought of buying anything but noisemakers.
One soft drink place was the scene of wild revelry. Men waved near beer bottles over their heads and smashed them on the bar, while the fearful owner pleaded for moderation.
GENERAL HOLIDAY – City, county and federal officials declared yesterday a holiday, and almost every office in the court house and city hall was closed. The flags of the allies flew from the city hall, and the Elks’ club was decorated in the same manner.
Judge W. D. Howe, in the Thirty-fourth district court, early yesterday morning issued a statement, releasing the jurors in that court for the day and calling them to convene at 9:30 o’clock this morning.
Upon order of the county school superintendent the schools of the county remained closed throughout the day. City schools were closed for the day. Work will be resumed today. At the School of Mines work also will be resumed today.
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