The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1897-03-05
THE OLD CONSTITUTION.
To Be Forever Kept as National
Naval Mus 3um.
Commodore FarraGut's Flagship. the
Hartford Is Also to BE Permanently
Maintained - Rene OF the
kearsarge.
TspeciaI WASHINGTON Letterl


There Is nothing III all my work OF
which | AIN more proud" SAID the sec
Ieiary of the Navy the other morning,
"tLan the accomplishment of the re-
cia mation of the old battleship Hart
ford. Congress is often very prodlgal
in allowing large appropriations for
Claims, but congress is not primarily
patriotic or sentimental. 1t was very
difficult 10 secure an appropriation, but,
by constant urging, it was accom-
I,Iished. And now Commodore Farra-
CUTS flagship will he permanently
maintained in the navy.
do you know that relic of heroisp
incites patriotism? The young men
who see the Hartford In future years,
and who read her splendid naval career,
will be stimulated to honor the flag
which floats over her, and have an am
bition to do as well for their country
as did the heroes who trod her decks
ard served her guns. They will read of
the old commodore dashed to the mast
and handling his fleet in the smoke
und carnage of battle: and particular
ly our young midshipmen will have be-
fore them constantly the memory of
the commodore. with u stimulated am
bition to fight as he fought. if ever in
command of battle ship in time of
war.
"Yes. l am glad that the Hartford is
| preserved; but | am not satisfied with
| the progress made towards a restora-
| ton and reclamation of the Constitu-
! ton. That splendid relic of American
prowess should be preserved. AL
though ] have constantly asked con-
gress to make appropriation for that
purpose. have failed to receive dol
lar, up TO date"
Secretary Herbert is not alone in his
desire to have the Constitution re
paired. Congressman Fitzgerald OF
Massachusetts. has secured the adop.
ton of a resolution calling upon the
secretary of the navy for an estimate
of the amount Of money which will be
necessary to move the Constitution
from Portsmouth TO the Washington
navy yard. where it is contemplated
that the ship shall be forever kept as
a naval museum. in support of his
resolution. MIR. Fitzgerald made !
speech in the house of repr esentatives
He said:
I'm connection with the resolution
present petition of the Massachu
setts Historical society that congress:
may take some action in regard to tn.
preservation of the friGate Constitu
ton, which now lies at the Portsmouth
| navy yard. and is in such a condition
as to be in danger of sinking at an,
time.
&c k,o
knows, there is no vessel in the Amer
lean navy that possesses the history
and the record that the Constitution
possesses. 1t is my proud privilege Il
represent In congress the district il
| which is located the wharf where thi:
famous cid frigate was built an,
launched. In grateful memory of he
untarnished record it has been culle6
Constitution wharf. AS Il boy l hav.
the pleasantest recollections OF tn.
happy days spent at the wharf wher,
the Constitution was built over ii cen
tuIy ago, and when stand here plead
| ing for the preservation of Old Iron
sides my deepest sympathes ar,
moved. The achievements of the heroi.
sons Of Massachusetts with her nav.
| produced within my breast. as the,
must within the breast OF every Amer
lean citizen. feelings OF deepest rever
ence for the historic ship.
Why should it be necessary to cal
the attention of The government to it.
duty with regard to the preservation
of the Constitution. whise great vic
tory in the naval engagement with tn.
Guerrero in the dark days of the war o.
1872 brought hope and encouragement
to our people and placed the United
States among the iirst-class powers o.
| the world?
why this shame of neglect towart
a historic relic that typifies the hero
ism Of our fathers and is an inspiration
to succeeding generations?
Nelson's flagship. Victory. is care
fully perpetuated by Great Britain, and
in such great reverence is she held thai