The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1898-07-29
L|EUT. HOBS(N IN TOWN
Thousands Welcome the Hero of
Santiago HarbOr.

Santiago Harb0r.
Torpedoes, whistles Drums Flags, Lights
and Throats Have Part in the Demon.
stration-Crowds shake Hands with the
Naval Constructor-The Trip from New
York-Guest of His Uncle. Col. c. L.
Patton-Departure Wednesday Morning.
Old Morristown, always patriotic and
hospitable, has added yet more laurels
to her brow by the entertainment during
these stirring days of Richmond Pearson
Hobson, hero of the Merrimac expedi-
ton.
About o'clock Tuesday evening
the news of his coming was posted at the
CHRONICLE office and at other points
about town and was soon passed about
from lip to lip among the citizens gener-
ally, who took it as "a great thing and
hastened to the depot to give the San
tiago hero welcome. From $40 large
crowds waited upon every incoming
train, unconsciously staring at every
passenger. 1t was finally learned that
he had started on the train from Ho-
boken, and preparations were made in
earnest for his reception. Flags were
displayed in profusion, colored lights
were arranged and torpedoes were set.
Meantime the crowd grew to several
thousand shouting patriots, large and
small, of both sexes, eager to ''see Hob
son." Several patriotic musicians, a
remnant of the flute and drum corps,
appeared and enlivened the occasion
with popular airs. In fact, all was
ready for great demonstration, and the
arrival of the GA proved the signal for
simultaneous outbreak of pent-up pa
triotism that has not found expression
since the joyous celebration of the news
from Santiago. Amid glare of red
light, the firing of torpedoes, the blow
ing of whistles and the playing of the
band, thousand throats shouted "Hur-
rah for Hobson," which continued SO
long as the daring naval officer was in
sight.
At the station platform hundreds of
hands were outstretched and many se-
cured the coveted shake. Hobson, well
nigh overcome by the extent and hearth
ness of the reception, knew not what to
do or say, and the crowd was too dense
for movement. He bowed and bowed
again and expressed his thanks for the
cordial greeting, and when he finally be-
gan to seek the carriage in waiting, was
compelled to force his way through the
crowd with the aid of two policemen.
Reaching the carriage, he was driven
Immediately to the home of his uncle,
Col. G. L. Patton. on South street, where
he spent the night. The lieutenant had
on a mixed travelling suit, his tall and
manly form at once distinguishing him
as daring and brave officer and man
of almost tireless energy.
Those who happened on the train with
Lieutenant Robson say that the entire
trip from Hoboken was a continual
ovation in his honor. All the way out
he was besieged by passengers for a
hand shake and s'a word, y and each sta
ton had its crowd of enthusiasts strug-
Cling for glimpse of the commander of
the Merrimac.
Among the passengers on the train
was CHRONICLE representative, who
secured an interview with the ieuten-
ant, who protested, as noted editorially,
that the people were doing too much for
him. He had done nothing but his duty,
tssthe same as any other officer of the
navy of the United States would have
done" He said little of his plans for
raising the sunken ships of the Cervera
squadron, but reiterated his former
declaration that the Christobal Colon
and Maria Teresa might be saved if haste
were made.
Lieutenant Hobson left Morristown on
the S.g5 train Wednesday morning, a
large crowd bidding him farewell at the
station.
Station Agent Carr of the Lacka-
wanna and Manager Dennison Of the
Telephone Company were among the
very active in posting the public as to
the time of Lieutenant Hobson's arrival.
In fact, they kept tab on every move
ment along the line, though had it not
been for the telegraph the residents of
almost 'phoneleas Summit would not
have known anything about the matt er
which interested every station between
Hoboken and Morristown.
A Day BY the Lake.
The Odd Fellows tenth annual family
excursion, which occurs Tuesday,
Auo1.sk liz rrouoisns a rIaasaut dav RI