The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1898-05-11

Ever since the glad news swept over the
telegraph wires last Saturday morning that
Admiral Dewey had won signal victory in
Manila bay, Montpelier, his native city, has
been making preparations to properly cele-
brate the event. This was done Monday
afternoon and evening in a manner never
before attempted at the capital city. The
people one and all caught the spirit Of the
day, and there was scarcely store or resi-
dence within the city limits but what was
decorated more or less deliberately.
A corps Of cadets from Norwich Univer-
sity came down in the morning and had
charge Of firing the salutes throughout the
day and evening. All trains leading to
Montpelier were packed to the platforms
and at least 10, 0Oc people from outside Mont
pelier witnessed t&e parade in the evening.
OF these about 1000 came from Barre.
Fifteen hundred people crowded into
Armory hall at two O'Clock where mass
meeting was held. The hall was profusely
decorated with flags and bunting and on
the stage. as guests Of honor in addi-
ton to the speakers were seated Hon.
and Mrs. Charles Dewey, Mr.. and
Mrs. Edward Dewey, Mrs. Mary P. Greeley,
Mr.. and Mrs: W. 7: Dewey and son, 9. 81.
dent A. d. Brown of Norwich University,
the mayor and city council OF Barre and
others.
The Montpelier Military Band was sta
toned in the gallery and discoursed patri-
His Honor, Mayor Senter, presided, and
introduced the speakers. After the "Star
Spangled Banner" by the band Mayor Sem
ter rose and said: Fellow citizens: We are
met to-day to celebrate one Of the grandest
victories in naval warfare. The people Of
Commodore Dewey's native town have met
to-day to honor his achievements. Gen.
Sedgewick said at Gettysburg, "Put the
Vermonters at the front and keep the col
umn we'll closed up" We have put a YER
monter at the front. and If Sampson, keeps
the column well closed up we will hear
something before this meeting is closed that
will make our hearts rejoice. 1 hope the
speakers this afternoon will be brief as pos
sible, and that their speeches will be as full
Of fire and fight as was Commodore Dewey
q week ago last Sunday morning at Manila.
After reading telegram from George G.
Dewey the Mayor introduced Hon. Hiram
Huse. Mr.. Huse said In opening that II
Admiral Dewey could be present he thought
1t would be as proud moment Of his life
as was the hour when he captured the Span
ing letter received that day by him from
G. P. Conn OF Concord, N. H.:
Dear Comrade:-The public press an
nounces to-day that Montpelier will to-
Of her sons and sing praises to the name Of
Dewey. would like to be present for I
knew Commodore Dewey at Norwich, as he
came there before left. 1 would like to
be there for believe Vermont to be one OF
the most loyal of States, and always ready
to honor her sons when they have honored
the commonwealth. 1 hope tomorrow will
bring out another like the author Of the
Green Mountain Boys who will give the
name OF Dewey place in history and ira
dition with Ethan Allen and Seth Warner;
and do not forget our own Stannard-how
we'll you and remember him. With Sena-
tor Proctor in Congress l have no doubt
that Commodore Dewey's interests will be
kept in the front with others who are en-
titled to national recognition, but 1t de-
wolves upon the good citizens OF the State
to furnish an object lesson to the rising
generation that will make his name and
home household words the length and
breadth Of the Union. Since the days of
81 to go new generation has risen and
must honor the brave sons OF Vermont on
their new fields of duty. Bring out the
sons and daughters OF veterans. Teach
them that a veteran who fought with Far
ragut is still doing valiant service for his
country, and that 1t devolves upon them to
see that his name is not forgotten. c
Mr.. Huse eloquently dwelt upon the rec
ord of Americans on the sea, the school in
which Dewey learned the lessons OF his
earlier life. The teachings OF good old DIR.
Dewey, the commodore's father, and OF
Farragut, have borne fruition in the bay OF
Manila.
The pupils of the High School, led by
Mrs. Minnie Marsh, next sang "Ark of
Freedom" and j. A. DeBoer, was intro
duced. Mr.. DeBoer said the battle OF Ma
Mia was as conspicuous in its effects as was
the battle between the Monitor and the
Merrimac Spain has learned the lesson
that American patience is only exceeded by
American dispatch. Mr.. DeBoer reviewed
some of the important naval battles Of the
world, including that of Manila Bay, a
victory unprecedented in the annals Of ma
val warfare. 1t was an ideal victory with
our the loss Of a man. 1t even leads us to
exclaim in the lines Of Campbell, with a
change Of name.
"Columbia needs no bulwarks
No towers along the steep
Ills march 10 DER the mountain waves
His home Is on the deep."N