Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-11-27

the great principles for which they were
contending.
The spirit of devotion to noble cause,
the loyalty and patriotism of the brave
women and men of those perilous days, In
the struggle to establish on this continent,
a free, permanent and independent gov
eminent, will live forever and be cherished
as IA portion of the most interesting and
instructive history of our people
The early settlers of our shores were a
determined and brave people, united by
the bonds of common sympathy. Their
| descendants have always remained true to
the loyal spirit of their revolutionary an
cestors; they have never permitted the
fires of patriotism to shoulder, but have
kept them brightly burning; and in every
hour of danger, they have shown their dc
votion to our great American republic.
| Maine In the past has given thousands
of her best and bravest sons, to uphold the
cause of the Union and the honor of the
! flag on the battlefield and the ocean. Her
| soldiers and her sailors, during the life of
the republic, have borne a conspicuous and
honorable position in the American army
and the American navy We yield to no
state in our love for the Union; we yield
to no commonwealth or community in our
| loyalty to our country and the flag.
While we are not n belligercnt people,
while we believe in and cultivate the prin-
ciples of peace and amity, we are never
theless impressed with the Importance of
maintaining the strength and power Of
the American navy. 1t is the great
natural guardian of the nation S safety and
should be maintained powerful enough
and swift enough, to uphold the honor and
dignity of the American republic among
all the nations of the world. So strong
and swift, that it Will elfectually guard
all of our commercial ports protect the
American people in their rights and
property on the high seas, and in whatever
land they nay choose to travel or abide
Maine, with its long line of coast ana
grand barbors, with It's rich and inviting
fields for trade and development and with
the great business interests of her people
so intimately connected with the com
merce of the sea, takes a natural interest
and pride in the American navy. She has
occupied an advanced and important posi-
ton in it's construction; the sentiment of
her people, and the influence of her ma
tional representatives has been and will
always D6 thNbI vi "a naval iltFN,
sufficient TO insure the safety of the com
merce Of our nation, the peace and pros
pcrity Of the republic, and the enforce
ment 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 our
commonwealth. The people of Maine, by
public legislation, have already spoken in
recognition of this great compliment
And l come, today, to extend to the navy
department to the United States cruiser
Maine, to her officers and seamen, the re-
newed assurance of the appreciation of our
whole people. And in the name of great
and progressive State, and by authority OF
its Legislature / now present this christen-
ing 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 I'M
der 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 glorious old flag of
our Union
Captain Crowninshield made an ap-
propriate response, which was brief and to
the point.
The magnificent service of silver was
Continued on page 2.