The Portland daily press., 1895-11-27
THE PRESENTATION.


mercial porus, protect the American peo
pie IN their rights and property on tht
nigh seas, and in whatever land they may
choose to travel or abide.
| Maine, with its long line of coast ant
| grand harbors with its rich and inviting
! fields for trade and development, anG
with the great business interests of hel
people so intimately connected with the
commerce of the sea, takes a natural in
t1rest and pride in the American Navy
she has occupied an advanced and i'm
| portant position in its construction; the
sentiment of her people, and the influence
| OF her national representatives have been
and will always be found, in favor of 8
naval fleets sufficient to insure the safety
of the commerce of our Nation, the peace
and perpetuity of the Republic, and the
enforcement of American rights in every
| part of the world
| We recognize the distinguished honor
conferred by the Government, in giving
this steel armored cruiser the name of oul
commonwealth. The people of Maine,
by public legislation, have already spoken
in recognition of this great com mpliment.
And come today to extend to the Navy
Department, to the United States Cruiser
Maine, to her officers and seamen, the
renewed assurance OF the appreciation OF
our whole people. And in the name of a
great and progressive state, and by au-
pLClIuy Va lbo AOW pf6S6Hl
this christening gift of silver.
And let me assure you Mr.. Commander,
that the good will and good wishes of our
people, will ever be with the "Maine"
and over whatever seas she may cruise,
or under whatever skies she may float,
may she proudly bear the name of our
State; and may she triumphantly carry,
to every land and every cline, the glori-
Gus old flag Of our Union.
CAPF. CROwNINSHIELD's AID
DRESS.
Capt. Crowninshield when he rose to
respond and accept the gift was given an
ovation of applause. He said:
tOn behalf of the Navy Depart
ment and myselfand officers of the
Maine, and everybody who has
any connection with her. L ac-
cept this splendid gift. I suppose it is
always gratifying to receive a present,
but this one is particularly so, as it
shows the appreciation of the people of
this great State of the fact that when
the government decided to add the two
great armored ships to the Navy it was
decided to give them the names of Maine
and Texas. From Maine to Texas is
an expression that indicates a vast terri
tory. Perhaps we may go on until all
the States between Maine and Texas
have given their names to battleships.
(Applause.) If we should carry ont this
plan it would certainly give us very re-
spectacle navy.
1.-THE State of Maine has always hown
4 great interest in the navy. 1t is to
be regretted that we have not in our SER
vice as many of your sturdy mariners as
we would like but when the time of heed
has come Maine men have always re-
sponded and have gone to the front in
their country's service.
We cannot forget, as you Mr.. Mayor,
suggested, that one great naval Office r,
whose home was in this city, made it
plain to the Algerian pirates that our
commerce must not be disturbed. 1t is
needless to say that refer to Commodore
Edward Preble.
But there are reasons why the people
Of this State should always take great in
terest in our navy. The State has a coast
and prominent harbOrs so located that
in case of war they would be especially
exposed to the foreign foe.
do not wish to belittle the efficiency of
guns on shore. But the guns on the
ocean are necessary for protection,
Farragut from going up the Mississippi
and capturing New Orleans.
Captain Crowninshield spoke seriously
OF the terrible disaster of war in mod
ern times. 1t is very easy for some news
papers to talk about war with England,
but unless something of very vital i'm
portance demands it, in my |. opinion
United States would be crime against
civilization
This visit to the city of Portland in
our ship will always be regarded by us
as an event in the history of our lives
never to be Forgotten. will take ad-
vantage of this occasion to extend an
invitation to all Portland people to visit
the Maine tomorrow. I am sure that
you will find everybody willing to show
you everything. She is all American
in design and in material. Applause.
In conclusion let me express the hope that
the good work IF building up and adding
to our navy may go on so that we shall
have navy that will maintain the hon.
or and dignity of our country always
and everywhere, in time Of peace, If pos
sible. but also in time of war, il neces-
sary."
Captain Crowninshield' remarks were
followed by enthusiastic applause.
Mayor Baxter said that probably there
were many who would like to view the
silver service and therefore they might
come upon the stage and do SO.
After the military men upon the stage
had marched down to the Mayors room
many of the audience crowded upon the
stage to inspect the service.
THE GRAND BANQUET.
At about seven o'clock the guests began
to arrive at the Falmouth hotel to attend
the grand banquet given by the City of
Portland in honor of the occasion.
Grimmers' orchestra discoursed its
usual attractiv music during the eve
ming and to its strains the guests marched
to their places at the long table in the
small dining room. At the head of the
table were Mayor Baxter, Coy. Cleaves
and Captain Crowninshield. There were
about sixty-fve at the table including
the governors staff and the officers of
&A .