The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-08-26
THANKS TO THE NAVAL WAR
BOARD

faithful and diligent in the highest
measure goes without saying, for they
are animated by the high professional
spirit which distinguished the navy
and which they have themselves done
much to stimulate and maintain. But
from my personal knowledge and OBJ
servation, I desire to add to this. That
equally marked have been the intel
lgence the wise judgment, the COM
prehenSive fOrethought and the un
failing competency to meet every ext
gency which have distinguished their
deliberations. May it not be said that
not one error has been made. Proper
control by the department has been
exercised over all movements in the
field, and yet at the same time, COM
manding officers have been duly left
to exercise discretion and have never
been hampered in their work. I do
not know how your work, as members
of that important board, could have
been better DONE or where in the arena
of the war you could have rendered
better service or deserved more honor.
Very truly yours. -
JOHN D. LONG, -
"Secretary of the Navy.
"To Rear Admiral Montgomery
Sicard, U. S. N, Chairman Naval War
Board, Washington, D. c.
TO REMOVE MINES IN HAVANA
HARBOR.
Negotiations have been opened
through diplomatic channels by which
it is expected that the Spanish gov
ernment will cooperate with the au-
thOritieS here in the removal Of the
mines and torpedoes in Havana har-
bOr before the military commission as
SembleS there, the naval authorities
believing this to be a proper precau-
tion before any Of our naval ships en-
ter the harbor with the commission
The suggestion was made through the
state department, and has been for
warded to the Spanish government
through the French embassy. There is
little doubt the matter will be ar
ranged.
TO WELCOME THE RETURNING
SOLDIERS.
A largely attended and enthusiastic
meeting of citizens was held at the
National theatre tonight at which pre-
Iminary arrangements were made for
appropriately welcoming home the Dis
trict volunteers who went to the
front. District Commissioner John A.
Ross presided.
The marine band enlivened the oc-
casion with patriotic airs. Stirring
speeches were made by Hon. Emery
Smith, postmaster general; Rev. D. J.
Stafford and extension Commissioner
Tanner. Letters of regret were read
from the president and Secretaries
Alger and Bliss. That from the pres
ident was as follows:
Executive Mansion,
Washington, D. c., August "a.
Hon. John w. Ross, Chairman Citi-
Zens' Meeting:
My Dear Mr.. Ross: The purpose
Of the meeting called to arrange for
suitable reception to the First Dis
trict of Columbia volunteers appeals
strongly to my sympathy, and I have
sincere pleasure in assuring you of my
deep interest in every effort to honor
these brave men who so promptly re-
spOnded to their country'S call. / re-
member with pride and qualification
the splendid showing they made when
reviewed on the way to their field Of
duty. Their homecoming should be
the occasion of a notable demonstra-
ton of the gratitude of our people
while my public duties prevent an
acceptance Of the courteous invita- ton
to be present on Wednesday evening,
l shall be glad, upon the regiments re-
turn, to join the citizens of the dis
trict in their tribute to it's devoted
patriotism.
"Congratulating you and your asso
ciates upon the public spirit evidenced
by the proposed meeting. and with best
wishes for its complete success, be-
lieve me.
Very sincerely yours,
civilian M'KINLEY''
Secretary Alger's letter was as fol-
lows:
War Department,
washington, D. c., August 23
My Dear Sir: I had fully intended
to be present with you on the occasion
of the citizens meeting to arrange fol-
the reception of the district troops
but found at the last moment that my
enforced absence from the city would
make this impossible. However, I can
not refrain from improving this op-
portunity to tell you that my heart is
| in the movement and it is a source OF
| great regret that I cannot be with you
l remember well the afternoon ir
which the brave District boys march.
ed past the White house portico to &c
| to Cuba, some of them never to re-
| turn. Their manly bearing and mill.
| tary appearance impressed me much
| | hope, however, that it will be possible
| for me to take an active part in as
| sisting you in giving them the slori-
| Gus welcome that they deserve after
undergoing so cheerfully the hardships
| OF campaign never before equaled in
the history of the army. They are 4
credit TO the capital of the nation and
! the flag they represent
Very sincerely yours
r. A. ALGER.
Secretary of War"
The meeting closed with the singing
of The Star Spangled Banner bv
Mrs. Thomas C. Noyes. of this citv
the immense audience rising and 4oin.
ing in the chorus.