Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-03-09
+ ORMALLY PRESENTED
The Light Infantry Bell Accepted by the
Navy.
To Ring Out Time on the Columbia
Speeches by Secretary Herbert
and Major Moore.

ment last night. Col VIM. c.. Moore of the
Infantry made the speech of eft and Sec
rotary Herbert the reply. The ceremony
was planned and executed with all that
Difference to detail essential in n martial
affair. 1t was attended with all the romp
and circumstance. all the glitter and CLAM
or, appropriately incident to such an event.
The Light Infantry armory has been the
home of many brilliant displays. and for
this reason alone it was peculiarly fitting
that last nights display came to pass there.
The scene was radiant as il could be
made by gallant men and sweet girls, grave
civilians and reserved matrons, gold lace,
ribbons. multi-colored plumes and flowers.
electric lights, laughter, music AMI mill
tary footsteps clanking swords, echoing
orders and a ringing bugle. The brazen
bell which, in the words of Secretary Her
bert lis to ring around the world" was
there This bell. which is to toll away the
half hours and mark the footballs of Time
in his eternal march. whose tones shall
sound over distant seas and through for
eign chimes, whose clangor snail tell the
earth of American glory and ring out the
magic word Washington twice in every
hour, through sunshine and storm, was in
the center of the hall. 1t swung from a
truss yelled in striped and starry bunting.
Spread out on the floor beneath it was a
flag of the free and hanging from the cell
ing and directly over it was another SPAN
gled banner. 1t was the shrine at which
the pilgrim paid his homage. Throngs
clustered around 1t. They Ielt it's finish,
praised its luster, read It's inscription. pat
ted IL as tenderly as a lover would his
sweethearts cheek and pulled its tongue.
Then its voice would roll through the hall
in all its tonal might. 1t would starIle the
timid and Jingle the blood of the strong.
The Drill.
American patriotism was in every sylla-
BILE and glance. The Infantry had been
ordered out for dress parade, and after the
military program the time was to be given
over to the dance. At s o'clock the crowd
filled all the space not absolutely needed by
the direct participants and often 1t en-
croached on this. The musicians balcony
was filed and ladies stood on chairs around
the walls. The infantrymen were prompt
In arriving, and Gen. Ordwly and staff
and Col Moore and staff entered at about
ten minutes past 8. Bugler Shrave of the
High School Cadets sounded assembly"
and the men sought their respective com
panies Company occupied the north
west corner company b the southwest.
company & the northeast and company ID
the southeast. Fall in: right dress; front;
port arm; open chambers; close chambers:
shoulder arms" and roll call. Count tours"
sergeants' call, rang out, and the first ser
geant of each company reported the num-
Der of non-commissiOned officers AMI men
present. Attention: fours right; march;
halt: open ranks" sang out the command
ing officer. and Col. Moore and staff passed
around in front and rear of the lines at a
slow pace. "Fours right; pass i'll review;
march" Various maneuvers were exc
cuted. and then the order parade rest
was given. Capts. Kelly and SAILOR left the
room to act as an escort to Secretary Her
bert and his wife.
The Speeches.
ipta
eral minutes Then the party entered.
There was hush. and the orchestra struck
up Hail to the Chief Secretary Herbert
was introduced to the members CT the stats
of Gen. Ordway and Col. Moore After a
brief respite Col. Moore and the Secretary
advanced solemnly to the center Of the
hall. stopped near the big bell and facing
company 3.
Col Moore said: MIR. Secretary. we are
honored by your presence in our armory to-
night and highly appreciate the compli-
rent thus paid by you to this organization
My duty is simple one. 1t is merely to
transfer to you this bell for the new war
cruiser Columbia, the gem of the ocean
the speediest war vessel afoat. She is
worthy her name and 1t is our desire to
emphasize our interest in ner. not merely
as citizens OF the District of Columbia. but
military body proud of the achieve
ments of the American navy, whose heroic
deeds emblazon the pages of our nations
history
When the sweet tones of this bell shall
vibrate through the noble vessel. both Off
GERS and men will be reminded of the good
wishes of the donors and of their prayers
for their Silfety and success, whether in
piping times of peace or amid the storms
of war, which may be provoked by attempt
ed encroachmentS upon the rights. honor
and integrity of the American republic"
There was a momentary lull, and SecrC-
tary Herbert. raising his right hand shift
ing his position so as to rest his weight on
the left foot and making a movement as if
to put his left hand in his trousers pocket
and then recovering himself. said:
Col. Moore and gentlemen of the Wash
In gton Light Infantry Corps / thank you
for this kind attention and the polite al.
fusion to myself, and in the name of the
officers and the men OF the navy of the
United States. l accept this bell. 1t gives
me great pleasure to receive this bell, for
| have warm spot in my heart for the
Washington Light Infantry. | can never
forget the chivalrous and hearty welcome
which you gave years ago to the Montgom-
cry Grays of my old home in Alabama
This is the second time l have been called
upon to express to you my personal graft
tude ard that of those whom | have had
the honor to represent. This bell is to be
the bell of the ship Columbia, which, as
your commanding officer has truly said,
is the gem of the ocean, and the fastest
ship of the navy. This bell is TO mark time
for her. 1t is to be in a measure her pulse.
This ship is to go wherever American in
the world This ship Is to be beat upon by
waves and storms, and may be by war, but
whether facing the battles of storm or the
artillery of man | doubt not that she will
be found equal to the occasion and an able
representative in upholding American civli-
zation. American law and American liberty.
/ say, in sailors phrase, good luck to the
good ship Columbia and good luck to the
Light Infantry Corps"
Several of the expressions of the Secre-
tary were received with applause. At the
close of the remarks the infantry present
ed arms passed in review again, the band
struck up, and after little more march
ing. counter-marching. &c, the order
sound off, was given, and the bugle sang
retreat" The formal part of the program
was at an end. The orchestra hit upon
merry waltz. and get your partners and
ladies change" succeeded the stern mar
tial commands. Dancing held the floor.
The BELL.
The bell presented last night was cast by
the McShane foundry, at Baltimore. at
cost of $3.50 Three castings were made
before the present successful result was
won. The bell was cast on a new and
striking model, and is attuned to the key
of C natural
Ii will be shipped to Annapolis, where
the Columbia will he placed in commission,
and where she will receive her armament
and stores. She enters active service about
the LIST of May.
Sunday school teachers, don't miss it, s
o'clock, % cents.-Advt