The Portland daily press., 1897-08-20


was received with loud applause. He
spoke of the cordial reception which had
been accorded to himself and staff, and
their appreciation thereof. He then ex-
pressed the cordial greeting of the state
to the magnificent fleet and its officers.
There had been time when Maine was
great ship building state with maritime
interests of great Importance. He hoped
that there might be revival of those in
terests; and one step towards that and
every other form of prosperity was the
sustaining of the honor of the American
flag. (Applause.)
Governor Powers then referred to Port
land as 'Our largest, our wealthiest and
our best city" (Applause.) Its people
have always borne Loyalty their share of
the common burden. It's sons have
brought fame to their city and the state,
and whatever honor may come to this
city from the e1ninence of any of its sons,
is an honor that theswhole state is glad
to share. (Applause.)
ADMIRAL SICARD,
who was introduced very happily by Mr..
Virgin as one who had done much for the
efficiency of the new navy, was received
by rising and by cheers. Admiral Sicard
began by saying that while the coast of
Maine was very beautiful, it also was
favored with very deep water rendering
it very liable to attack from great ships
of war. These vessels could not get I'D
quite SO far as the Governor's=E place
(laughter) but they could do extensive
damage. Therefore the state of Maine
should be especially interested in the
navy. Maine also had great interest
in maritime pursuits, and she furn ished
large body of trained seamen, drilled in
the best of maritime schools-the fisheries
of the banks of Newfoundland
Admiral Sicard then welA on to speak
of the rehabilitation of the navy, and the
desirability of having Fifteen or twenty
battleships.
Of course such number would not do
for fight with England. If we wanted
to meet her we should have to shell out
our money pretty literally. daughter. }
But the Is or 20 ships would in general
be sufficient to maintain our national
honor.
ADJ. GEN. SAMUEL DALTON,
the famous Massachusetts staff officer,
was introduced to represent the Governor
of Massachusetts,. Gen. Dalton began by
speaking of the old relationship of Maine
and Massachusetts, ''And Massachusetts,
stands with Maine,' he said, Sin her
honor and admiration for Thomas B..
Reed. cloud applause.) Our people are
your people, and your people are our peo-
ple." (Applause.)
He wished to express his thanks, to
Admiral Sicard for his visit to both the
mother and daughter state, although he
had been more kind to the daughter be-
cause he has brought more ships.
PRESIDENT FRANCIS APPLETON
of the fail, said he was glad to bring the
greeting of the fair to the city of Port
land. This was the third year of the fair
here, and they were glad to say that they
were pleased with their location. Two
years ago they had been favored with the
presence of the navy. This time both the
navy and army had contributed to the
enjoyment of the occasion. (Applause.)
Three cheers for the fair and it's presi-
dent were then given at the suggestion
of Hon. e. C. Reynolds.
Mr.. Virgin announced the receipt Of
letters of regret from Senator Frye and
Congressman Dingley and Burleigh. He
then introduced,
HON. w. W. THOMAS,
as representative of the diplomatic ser
vice, who had been minister to Sweden
and who all hoped would soon be again.
(Applause.)
Mr. Thomas said:
a Mr.. Mayor and Gentlemen:-Laste even
ing looking down the harbor, we saw the
enchanting spectacle of the ships of wal
of the North Atlantic Squadron-theiI
colossal outlines, pricked out with points
of electric light against the darkness OF
the night, and their search lights flashing
long rays of illumination over bay and
shore.
And certainly the thought must have
OCCuTT6u 10 us, UldU IL tli6SC nCdISAi 1lbuUn
were turned on any shore, in any land,
far or near: they would never light up q
more beautiful or secure haven.
To us, Portlanders born and bred, who
have grown up thoroughly inbued with
the truth that our city is the natural sea-
port not only of Canada, but OF broad
belt of our own land, it is no little graft
fcation that the United States has recog-
nized the accessibility and safety of our
harbor by eutrusting twenty million
dollar fleet in our waters.
We are all pleased that the fleet is here.
We are all delighted to have you gentle
men, the gallant representatives Of the
Navy, as our guests; and fancy that
on your part it must be no little satisfac-
tion that you can sit here in the good
fellowship that cometh when Navy, State
and City meet, and at the same time pos
sess your minds in perfect peace, for you
know that your anchors are fast in the
best of holding grounds, and though all
the blasts of Boreas blow, your ships will
ride in perfect safety, sheltered by the
rock-ribbed walls Of our bay.
A. NJ ~ {9H(fs,