The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-05-06
HER GALA DAY.
New London Celebrates
250th Anniversary.
Dedication of a Soldiers and
Sailors Monument.
DR.. Smiths Eloquent Tribute to the
City's Departed Heroes.


hundred ard fifty years ago today the
town of New London was founded by
John Winthrop. Jr.. and the patriotic
citizens are celebrating the anniversary
IN most fitting manner.
The principal exercises are being held
today. and II is the most memorable cele-
bration that has ever taken place in east
ern Connecticut. The features include
the laying of the Cornerstone OF the pro-
posed monument TO Governor Winthrop,
the dedication of a handsome soldiers
and sailors monument, and big parade
of military and civic organizations. The
United States cruisers Cincinnati and
Montgomery, Of the White Squadron, are
I'm the harbor and at least 450 officers and
sailors from the two cruisers, in charge
of Rear Admiral Bunce, took part in the
parade. The regular troops from Fort
Trumbull were also out, with the Gov
ernor's Guards local militia, Grand
Army. and other organizations, and al
together there were 5000 men in line un-
der the command of Brigadier General
Haven.
Among the well-known men who are
participating are Governor Coffin, ex-
Governor Waller. Congressman Russell,
United States Senators Platt and Haw-
ley. Mayor Johnston. President Smith of
Trinity college and others.
The city IS in holiday attire. Most OF
the business houses have been decorated
in gay colors and also large number of
private residences.
Following is the address of Rev.
George W. Smith. DID, delivered in re-
sponse for the navy at the dedication OF
the soldiers and sailors monument:
While the entire world is the sepul-
chre OF brave men, ii is fitting that their
patriotic devotion and their services be
held in remembrance by their fellow citi-
zens. and that they be honored espe-
cially in those places which owe them
gratitude, or which they have rendered
illustrious by their deeds.
The life OF our country has been brief
as nations reckon life. New London is
an old city for America. There are fa-
nous towns in other lands where 1000
years may be told off for every 100 here,
and the tale be not half complete. But
though our national life has been short.
there ere no pages In history which are
adorned with nobler names than ours.
They stand side by side with the names
OF men of letters and men of arms whom
the world has not been willing TO forget,
although many centuries have elapsed
since they lived and labored for the good
OF their fellows.
1t is characteristic Of q free country,
where all men are born in the purple,
to generate many sons who are capable
of filing all stations Of usefulness and
honor. AS the mind rcverts 70 the past
on such an occasion as this, and the Illus
trious dead start 10 life again and move
with grave dignity across the STAGE CT
memory, we have no cause TO be
ashamed. Their record is ernblazoned
with deeds OF herolsm and patriotic de-
votion. In enterprise, in intelligence, In
daring, In knowledge how to die. none
have surpassed them. Achievements for
which the world can offer no congruous
Secompense stand to the account Of the
men in the magazine, In the fireroom, on
the berth deck and in the steerage, as
well as in the wardroom and in the cabin.
They have ever afforded a splendid ex-
ample of belief In the supremacy OF duty.
With them IL has been a word Of i'm
perial command, and the most hazard
Gus enterprises have been entered upon
with the same unhesitating obedience as
a dress parade.
While our navy has always been small
compared with those of European ma
tons. ever since the Revolution ii has
stood before the world at n valuation far
above that of It's ships and guns, be-
cause of achievements due to the profess
sional and moral character of its officers
and men.
1t has features and characteristics of
its own. and f,sters certain virle vir-
tues which are of the utmost value in
"a government like ours. 1t is peculiarly
the national service When war threat
ems and soldiers are called for, neigh
Dor enlists with neighbor and the neigh
borhood knows what soldierly deeds are
done, and reckons them as their own,
and gives the need of praise; but states
end cities have no war vessels and when
O man enters the naval service he loses
his residence. and ia withdrawn from the
associations Of locality, or community,
which still adhere 20 a company or regi-.
ment which has been sent out by city
or a state.
When men arc pressed together with
in the narrow limits OF a ship. and are
liable TO accidents and circumstances
that are beyond the control oe man;
when they touch elbows at every turn
and are beset with the difficulties that
accompany naval warfare-inseparabl
united as they are with the destiny of
the ship in which they sail-dlscipllne
Is a recognized necessity, ard co-opera-
tion is imperative. The practice OF the
fundamental virtues OF obedience and
fidelity is the condition OF safety; and
Without tn cultivation OF n spirit OF
truth. and honor. and forebearance,th there
ran be no efficiency. These, therefore,
obedience. fidelity. truth and honor are
conspicuous among the virtues of this
service.
IL Is a service that calls for intelligence
and many-sidcd activity. War vessels
are the elaborate product OF the genius.
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