The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1889-04-24
CAPT. NURRHLL' L'S0VAHION
The Rescuer of the Danmark's
Passengers Liouized
BY ALL OF PHILADELPHIA,
Thousands Flock to DO Honor to the
Hero of the Day-He is Made
the Guest of the City and
Receives Medal,

don't call 1t noblei itwas onlymy duty
I'm sure" said Captain Hamilton Muir
rell, as he was welcomed and congratu
lated at the Maritime Exchange b!
President William Brockie this after
noon. Captain Murrell has been lion
lied to an extent that it Is simply amaz
ing, Long before the hour Of noon
which had been set for the public
reception, the spacious rooms OF the
Maritime Exchange, and the still more
spacious street in front Of It, contained
thousands Of people OF all ages and Of
both sexes, who had, in some instances
travelled many miles to pay homage to
the young Captain, The cheers which
greeted the good.natured and humane
master as he entered the Exchange were
deafening, and several minutes elapsed
before voice could be heard, II was
exactly noon when Capt, Murrell was
escorted to a commanding position In
the main hall OF the Exchange, and
when the enthusiastic demonstrations
had subsidized for moment he was in
troduCed by President Brockie to the
immense throng present. District AT.
torney George s, Graham then stepped
to the captains side and presented him
with the only gold medal ever given
by the Pennsylvania Humane Society.
1t was a handsome specimen OF the
goldsmith's handiwork, and It's presen.
tation by Mr., Graham, on behalf Of the
society, was one OF the most pleasing
features OF the occasion. In replying to
the brief speech OF Mr.. Graham, Capt,
Murrell said:
TIE CAPTAINS RESPONSE.
~ don't know how to find words 10
tell you how feel. want 10 give my
officers and men the credit for an act
which was only duty. There was
nothing heroic about it. 1t was only an
Englishman's duty, and | might be in
the same plight myself some day. There
was nothing heroic on my part. only
considered the cargo, and when human
lives were to be saved the cargo was
nothing, therefore, 1t had to co."
Then the captain had spoken his few
words and the cheering had subsided,
there was a rush 10 grasp his hand, and
for nearly an hour he shook the hands
Of all those who could get near him.
Vice Consul Westergard, OF Sweden
and Norway, was introduced to the cap
tain, and said in voice full OF emotion: (:
"As Vice Consul Of Sweden and Norway
at this port, l feel deeply impressed with
the great and glorious fact that under
Providence you were the happy medium
that saved several hundred Scandina-
yians aud Danes from the ill.iated steam
er Danmark, as well as her captain and
crew. 1t Is very pleasant for all OF US
here assembled TO welcome you, to know
that you, sir, proved the right man IN
the right place. And now, allow me as
Treasurer OF this Exchange, and on be-
half OF and in the name OF tho Directors
OF the Maritime Exchange OF PhiIadel-
phia to tender you an honorary men,
bership OF this Exchange, which please
accept and rest assured that we shall be
glad to see you On this floor as often as
Il may suit your convenience to call"
After few words Of thanks, Captain
Murrell was presented with a sprig Of
Ivy which came from Westminster Alb.
hey and beautifully bound miniature
copy OF the Constitution OF the United
States. After the reception at the Ex.
change had been concluded the Captain
was taken to the Mayors office and was
received by Mayor Filter, and in neat
and fitting speech welcomed TO the city.
He was introduced to the city officials
and from all Of them received kind words
Of praise, but through it all he was the
same blushing, modest and unassuming
young and plain Captain Murrell.
Between now and Thursday, when
the Captain expects to have his boat dis.
charged and proceed to Baltimore, he
will be a social lion. Already he has
been obliged 10 decline many kind
offers Of entertainment and enjoyment.
Tonight he attended the annual dinner
OF the Sons OF st. George, and was the
guest OF the evening,