The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1897-03-04
THE OLD CONSTITUTION.
To Be Forever Kept as National
Naval Mus 3um
Commodore Farraguts Flagship. the
Hartford, Is Also to Be Permanently
Maintained - Rene Of the
kearssrge.
Ispec,aI washington Le,,er.i


"There is nothing IN all my work of
which am more proud sald the sec
retary of the navy the other morning,
than the accomplishment of the re-
claniation OF the old batt!eship Hart.
ford. Congress is often very prodigal
in allowing large appropriations foe
claims, but congress is not primarily
patriotic or sentimental IL was very
difficult 10 secure an appropriation. but.
by constant urging, IT was accom-
plished. And now Commodore Farra-
CUTS flagship will he permanently
maintained in the navy.
"Du you know that relic of herosp
incites patriotism? The young men
who see the Hartford IN future years,
and who read her splend, naval career,
will be stimulated to honor the flag
which floats over her, and have an am
hition 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 a stimulated am
bition to fight as he fought. II ever in
command of u battle ship in time of
war.
"les, | am glad that the Hartford IL
preserved; but | aln not satisfied with
the progress made towards restora-
ton and reclamation OF the Constitu.
tion. 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 a 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 adup-
tion Of resolution calling upon the
secretary of the navy for an estimate
or the amount of money which will be
necessary to move The Constitution
frCm Portsmouth TO the Washington
navy yard. where it is contemplated
that the ship shall bc forever kept AS
naval museum. In support of his
resolution, Mr.. Fitzgerald made a
speech in the house Of representatives.
He said.
"ln connection with the resolution
present petition Of the Massachu-
sctts Historical society that congress
may take some action In regard to the
preservation of the frigate Constitu-
tion. which now lies at the Portsmouth
navy yard, and is in such a condition
as to be in danger of sinking at anv
time.
''As every member OF this house
knows, there is no vessel in the Amer
lean navy that possesses the history
aid the record that the Constitution
possesses. 1t is my proud privilege 20
represent in congress the district in
which is located the wharf where this
famous cid frigate was built ami
launched. In grateful memory of her
untarnished record it has been called
Constitution wharf. As "A hoy | have
the pleasantest rccollections of the
happy days spent ut the wharf where
the Constitution was built over n cen
tuTy ago, aud when | stand here plead-
ing for the preservation of Old Iron
sides my deepest sympathies are
iboNSu. hC Oh the neIOlc
sons OF Massachusetts with her nave
produced within my breast, as they
must within the breast of every Amer
lean citizen, feelings of deepest rever-
ence for the historic ship.
why should il be necessary to call
the attention of The government to its
duty with regard to the preservation
OF the Constitution. whise great vic
tory in the naval engagement with the
Guerriere in the dark days of the war of
1872 brought hope and encouragement
TO our people and placed the United
States among the iirst-class powers of
the world?
why this shame of neglect toward
a historic relic that typifes 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 that
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