Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-08-22
I'M GRAND REN'EvIs:
(Continued from page ~

NS0eessAsASO eASAss RoOS ~
admiral was introduced to each mem
Der Of the mayors delegation. The
members Of the cabinet stood In the
circle. in company with the Officers Of
the New York. and listened to the
mayors address.
The terrific footing OF the steam
whistles. mingled with the cheering 81
the multitudes on nearby craft, almost
drowned the words OF the speaker.
Mayor Van Wyck spoke as follows:
Rear Admiral Sampson. in COM
mand of the victorious North Atlantic
squadron OF the American navy, re-
turning in triumph from the battle Of
Santiago: In the name and in behalf
OF the people and city of New York, 1t
Is my pride as their chief magistrate
to present to you, and through you to
the officers. sailors and landsmcn UNI
der your command. their warmest and
heartiest welcome.
1T is not for words to express the
emotion out Of which this springs. The
officers Of the navy have been crowned
with victory in warfare and 1t is use
less to try to describe the gratitude,
patriotism and pride which dwell in
the hearts of every American.
There was not in the world four
months ago a navy with the record of
that of the United States. Today we
speak within bounds in declaring that
what seemed impossible has been ac-
complashed. The record that has been
rendered Is unparalleled. The navy of
the United States has eclipsed itself.
Never while the worlds history
continues to instruct and to make
tyranny tremble will the. battle Of San
tiago. which wrought destruction to
the Spanish fleet, and the brave and
heroic conduct of officers and men be
forgotten.
II am not here to describe the deeds
that made heroes Of the gallent officers
and sailors at Santiago 1t is simply
my pride and privilege to extend heart
felt congratulations and warmest well
come OF the. people of New York and
to offer you the freedom of our city"
In reply Admiral Sampson said:
Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen-Per-
NIT me to thank you on behalf of the
officers and men Of the navy who
through their efforts have won your
congratulations. l am sure that were
they were here standing with me and
could hear you talk they would appre-
ciate it as do.
I'VE have done our duty only and
are consequently deeply grateful to
you for expressing the thanks and con-
CALCULATIONS of the people of New York
as you have done in such glowing
terms. and the appreciation of the peo-
pie for what little We have accomplish
ed
The breaking-up of the circle was a
signal to the people on the river craft
that the ceremonies of the mayors ad-
dress were completed and renewed
cheering broke forth. Then Mayor
Van Wyck and his party left the ship.
The cabinet party remained aboard
and went upon the forward bridge
with Admiral Sampson and Capt.
Chadwick.
Before the moving Of the ships Abner
Mckinley, brother Of the President,
came aboard and congratulated Adj
miral Sampson on the success of the
fleet under his command Mr.. Nc
Kinley remained but a short time.
Following this the squadron. in sin
gle column at half distance, went
ahead at the speed of s knots. The
40
shrleking of steam whistles and steam
sirens. played their part effectively.
AS Governors island was passed the
guns of the flagship New York doomed
out sulute in acknowledgment of the
one fired from the battery. All the
way up the rive officers and men mar
veled at the reception accorded them.
From the wharves and shores all the
way up came the sound of saluting
guns; on the slopes of Riverside a
great, wavering mass Of people yelled
themselves hoarse in welcoming the
ships.
Everywhere crowds; everywhere
flags, and from all sides an incessant
deafening shrek of whistles and roar
of cheers.
Now and then Admiral Sampson
raised his cap in acknowledgment Of
the cheers. and the officers and men
lined up on the sides of the ship fol-
lowed the admirals action.
At 11.2O o'clock the national salute of
20 guns was fired as the New York was
nbeam of Grants tomb.
Then came the countermarch; the
speed of the squadron was reduced to
four knots. When the New York put
about, the Texas. the last ship in the
line, was not visible from the flagship's
deck She was hidden by the smoke of
the guns and the countless craft that
followed the parade.
When the squadron passed the Bat
terry on it's return Admiral Sampson
signalled all the commanding officers
aboard the flagship to meet the MEM