The daily morning journal and courier., 1896-05-07


 necessary and unjust war upon us. We cannot be classed as a warlike people, for our affairs are those of peace, yet We are a military people. Our policy never has been, in the European sense or the word, aggressive. We have had land enough, and the processes by which we have acquired extensions will honorably bear comparison. For the magnificent territory peacefully acquir- ed from France we paid fifteen millions Of dollars. Though we triumphed over Mexico, we paid her fifteen millions for the territory we annexed. For Alaska was paid $7,200,000 Florida we acquir- ed peacefully and satisfactorily Few Americans leave their country for for eign regions, and none go to prepare the path for the conqueror. But the world has not reached the millennium. It is indispensable to justice, honor and national elf-preservation that we fully prepare ourselves for defence both by land and sea. All our vast coast line should be fortified in accordance with the highest principles of the modern art of defence. Our navy should be still further enlarged.
 It is not alone for ourselves that we may be called upon to speak, but we may lift warning finger for the pro- lection of weaker nations. Again say Uncle Sam must be a gentleman To those who say that power on land and sea will be an indictment to war it Is fair argument to reply that to argue thus is to say that the only way to keep peaceful is to keep ourselves de- fenceless.
 PRESIDENT SMITH.
 The Rev. Dr. George Williamson Smith, president of Trinity college, Hartford, spoke upon "The Navy" say ing in part
 This monument looks upon waters truly national. On April 6, 177s, Com modore Hopkins, the first American flag officer, in command of the first Ameri- can squadron, brought his prizes into the port of New London and saved them from the British fleet at Newport. Here Decatur, December 4, 1872, brought in the famous frigate Macedonian, cap tured by the United States. The next year. 1913, the port offered it's hospita- ble shelter to the American frigates United States, Macedonian and Hornet, when they were pursued outside the Race by vastly superior force. Local historians can, no doubt, swell the tale to many volume. To specify no more we may say that by it's eligible situa- tion, it's capacious harbor and it's deep waters, by it's naval history as we'll as by it's famous naval men, it must al- ways be recognized as an important factor in the national life
 The singing of America" by all pres ent, and salute from the warships, concluded the ceremony
 THE PROCESSION.
 At o'clock the procession, composed of army and navy, the Third regiment, c. N. G., companies of the Governors Foot Guards, Putnam Phalanx, fire de- partment, civic organization, trades and industries, took place, the officers of the warships reviewing them as they passed the city hall. The posts of the G. A. R. of Connecticut presented mo- table appearance.
 About the monument during the speaking were Admiral Stanton the officers of the cruisers Cincinnati and Montgomery, Senator Platt Congress-
  It is estimated that 30000 people visited the city.
 THE EVENING CELEBRATION.
 The fireworks in the evening on the Bolton lot, Lincoln avenue surpassed all expectations. The sky clouded up early, but fortunately no rain fell. The pyrotechnics lasted full hour. The avenue was thronged with people who witnessed the display The pieces were set off under the direction of Pain of New York. Among them were several beautiful set pieces. These were the seal of the city and the old town mill. The water was discernable passing over the huge wheel.
 There were two arrests of men sus- pected of being pickpockets, but they will probably be released in the morn- ing.