Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1891-02-12
H0yoRs TO A JouRyALrsT.
Reception to j. Preston Dunning upoi
Ills Return Tome--Eiis Thrilling Eek

Reception TO j. Preston Dunning Upon
His Return Home--Eis Thrilling Ex-
perlences at Apia.
spe 'ial Correspondence Of Gazette and journal
MiDDLETowN. Feb. l0.-John Preston
Dunning, the Samoan correspondent OF
the Associated Press, was given a public
reception in the Opera House here last
night by Major John Jones Post, No. y,
q. A. X. of this town. on his return home,
after an absence of about five years. EX-
tensive arrangements had been made for
the affair, and it had been looked forward
to ever since II was arranged with much
interest. Despite the terrible condition of
the roads and the Indictment weather, the
Opera House was filled when $ o'clock, the
hour for the exercise, arrived. The stage
was very tasteftlly decorated with flags,
and portrait of Major John Jones' after
whom the post was named, occupied a
position in the background. Two inn
mense flags were draped over the front
sides of the room, near the stage, and on
the whole the general arrangement of
things was tasteful and unique. After
music by the orchestra Henry A. Rowland,
Esq, introduced Hon. N. b. Smithers OF
Dover whom John =. Dunning once
studied law under before embarking in the
newspaper business. Mr.. Smithers spoke
of the Journalist as young man, and of
the great work he accomplished at the
time of the storm by telling the people all
about it in the best and plainest way pos
sible, and without any pretence of having
| done anything out of the ordinary line oil
| duty.
Mr., Dunning was next introduced (al-
| though an introduction was hardly neceS,
sary) and when he stepped forward on the
stage he was greeted with great burst oi
| applause. He spoke at first Of the changes
in the town since last he resided here, and
| of xuh q
tributed largely to the unhappiness OF his
school teacher and other people of til,
| place" He told of how he came to be sem
TO the Samoan Islands, of the customs o.
the people there, their general appearance
&C., and all in way that very muct
pleased his hearers. His thrilling accoun
| of the storm in Apias harhOr, in which III
men were lost, the heroic action of tn,
sailors and the American naval officers
and the work of saving the drowning mel
accomplished by those on shore was al
told in most realistic manner. Mr.. Dun
ming spoke for about one hour and was a
times Interrupted by loud applause.
After Mr.. Cummings address and NOR
music by the orchestra those present wer
invited to partake of the posts hospitalit,
in the way of baked beans, coffee and tn
other eatibles which go TO make up arm!
fare. All those who wished took seats n
the tables which were situated in the rea
of the room and were literally supplied b!
the members of the post who acted the par
of walters.
Toasts were then in order. The first wa
'rhe Grand Army of the Republic
this fraternity always abound in nobl
works Of charity and thus prove to til
world its God-giveu mission" Respons
by Peter Il. Ayars of Wilmington.
The second was "Our Guest-a Blu
Hens Chicken"
For has the heart no interest yet as bland,
As that which binds US to our native land.
Response by J. Preston Dunning.
The third was THE Ladies-Nan's tirs
best and last friend-the first to caress hit
and the last to weep over him." Respons
by Captain William Walker of Colont
Andrews Post of Odessa. The fourth an
last toast of the evening was THE Press
Guardian of liberty and herald of civilizG
ton" Response by George Roberts of tn
Mems.
The affair as whole was great SUE
cess. Mr.. Dunning is favored with an ca
cellent delivery and his story. of tn
Samoan storm was very entertaining.