The age-herald., 1898-12-17

but in fact. Alabama does not have to pro- test her loyalty. We can call attention to Wheeler and Hobson to prove that And we have sixty-six counties that could have produced hundred Hobsons and hundred Wheelers if necessary The only reason hat we did not have more heroes was be- cause the president did not give but two Alabamians a ehance.n (Applause).
 The governor here read a telegram which the president had received while in a car- riage en route to the capitol. It was as follows:
 His Exeellency, William Mckinley, Presi- dent of the United States of America:
 We thank you for the noble sentiment expressed in your Atlanta speech on the confederate dead"
 The telegram was signed by Winnie Davis Chapter Daughters of Confectionery.
 The President Speaks
 The president was then introduced and said:
 To the General Assembly and Citizens:
 The warm-hearted welcome which has been given to me by the citizens of Alabama has deeply touched me and in return for 1t 1 cannot find language to express my grati- tude and appreciation. To be welcomed here in the city of Montgomery, the first capital of the confederate states, warmly and enthusiastically welcomed as the presi- dent of a common country, has filled and thrilled me with emotion. Once the capital of the confederacy, now the capital of great and glorious state, one of the indescribable states of an indescribable union.
 The governor says he has nothing to take back. We have nothing to take back for having kept you in the union. We are glad you did not so out and you are glad you stayed in Tremendous applause.) Ala bama, like all the states of the union, north and south, has been loyal to the flag and steadfastly devoted to the American name hQ never been in the history of the United States such a demonstration of patriotism from one end of this country to the other as the year just passing, and never has American valor been more brilliantly illus trated in the battle line on shore and on the battleship at sea than by the soldiers and sailors of the United States, Everybody is talking of Hobson, and justly so, but want to thank Mother Hobson in this pres ence. Everybody Is talking about General Wheeler, one of the bravest of the brave, but speak, I want to, of that brave little daughter that followed him to Santiago. Great applause) and ministered to the sick at Montauk. (Cheers)
 All Were Patriots
 I have spoken In many places and at many times of the heroism of the American army and the American navy, but in our recent conflict the whole people were patri- ots. Two hundred thousand men were
  the ranks. Great applause) And millions stood ready if need be. Prolonged ap- plause).
 like the feeling of the American people that we ought not to have large standing army; but it has been demonstrated in the last few months that we need a standing army large enough to do all the work re- quired while we are at peace, and only rely on the great body of the people in an emergency to help us fight our battles. eApplause).
 We love peace. We are not a military nation, but whenever the time of peril comes the bulwark of this people rests in the patriotism of the citizens, and the na- ton will be safe for all time because 75,- 100000 of people love it and will give up their lives to sustain and uphold it. Great applause).
 l thank you, my fellow-citizens for this generous warmth and wealth of welcome which you have given me today and shall go back to my duties at our great capital feeling that we have a united country that acknowledges allegiance to but one author ity and will march forever unitedly under one flag, the glorious old stars and stripes (Tremendous cheering and applause).
 Every utterance of the president con- cerning Wheeler and Hobson brought deaf ening cheers. When he had concluded there were cries of Wheeler" "Wheeier." from the audience, and as Speaker Waller in- troduced the little general the crowd went wild with joy.
 1T feel embarrassed" began the general 'when I stand here to thank you for your most cordial greeting to the president his cabinet, guests and myself" He took oc- casion here to thank the general assembly for compliment which he did not de- serve, paid him by the general assembly in a resolution. He came to Alabama when little more than a boy and his pathway had always been lighted by her sun.
 When General Wheeler had concluded the crowd demanded Shafter
 "I am glad to see you," said he, land I am glad to know you are glad to see me. The questions expressing public attention are beyond my sphere of action. There are men among you who can discuss them and I will let them do it.
 "Lawton," "Lawton," was the next cry, and the soldierly appearing general mount ed the stand In introducing him Speaker Waller designated him as the hero of El Caney. The general said:
 Not an Orator Nor Hero
 'I am not an orator; am a soldier. am not a hero, am only regular. (Applause.) I was sent to Cuba at the beginning of the war to command certain body of men to discharge a certain duty. How well they have done this, you all know. In the name of those 16 900 men had the honor to com- mand. thank you for your courtesy"
 Secretary of War Alser was the next to respond to repeated calls.
 T would not come up here for one mo- ment," he began, If there was another sol- der I could order forward" He thanked the assembly and the state for its courtesy. During the course of General Wheelers speech he mentioned that he had always lived in Alabama.
 "There was another time," he continued, with a smile, "when wished to God Ala bama had kept him. Perhaps the general does not remember when he went without his states borders, roaming about and up- setting certain plans of the union army (Applause) He then paid a tribute to Ala bamas progress and industry.
 President Cunningham next introduced Secretary of the Navy Long as being long in name, short in stature and exalted in reputation.
 Secretary Long declared that the speakers had omitted one name in Alabama's galaxy of heroes. The victories of our army and navy had been frequently alluded to. The credit of the victories of our navy belonged in a great measure to those who fitted out the fleet. There were long line of men who preceded him that shared the credit |