Barre evening telegram. (Barre, Vt.) 1898-19??, 1898-08-19
WELCOME FOR FLEET.
Mayor Van WICK Issues Proclamation
to People Of New York.
WANTS BUSINESS DROPPED.
Asks Also That All Public ana Fr''a'e
Buildings In the Various Boronshs
and All Vessels In Harbor
he Decorated.

New York, Aug. 19-Mayor Van "yck
| has issued this proclamation
ITO the Citizens of the City OF New
York:
Next Saturday, Aug. 20, Rear Al
mirals Sampson and Schley, their om-
GERS, marines and sailors, together Win
the famous battleships constituting the
greater part Of the north Atlantic
squadron, will arrive In this port.
1T is left to our citizens to decide as
to the character Of the welcome these
brave men are entitled to and should
receive 1t is less than four months
since war was declared between the
United States and Spain. The echoes
of the predictions that we were Wholly
unprepared for war have scarcely died
out. Today the war is over. Our navy
is still intact. Every battlsship. cruiser
and torpedo boat OF the enemy which
could be reached by shot and shell has
been destroyed.
The stars and stripes float over the
fortifcations of Cuba, Porto Rico and
Manila. The Spanish government has
asked for peace. Our government IS
stronger and more powerful than at
any period Of Its history. The nine
tenth century closes with the young
republic recognized throughout the CIV
ilized world as the champion Of human
rights and universal liberty.
1--WE cannot forget the weeks Of fever
ish anxiety during which we scanned
every sentence which passed over the
telegraph wires while the north Atlantic
squadron was cruising in the vicinity
of Santiago, ready to battle with the
strongest fleet Of our adversaries. We
were not unmindful Of the disaster
which would follow a Spanish victory.
a prolonged and expensive war. the pos
sible destruction and ruin OF the proper
ty of our people along the Atlantic
coast. the indefinite postponement OF re-
lief to the starving and prosecuted in
habitants OF Cuba.
Indebted to Naval Heroes.
For a glorious termination OF affairs
we are largely indebted to our naval
heroes of which the visiting squadron
constitutes an important part. The Of
fcers, sailors and marines whose cool
ness daring and skill have surprised
and startled the universe are to be cur
guests. A welcome should not he linn
ted to the citizens Of Greater New York.
but should include the citizens OF the
entire commonwealth and of every ad-
joining state, so that the spectacle to be
presented on Saturday and the greeting
extended should surpass any previous
effort ever witnessed in this country.
That every citizen may take part in
the festivities Of the day 1t is earnestly
urged that all business be suspended on
Saturday next; that all public buildings
and private residences in the five bor-
oughs Of the city and every vessel in
the harbor should be appropriately dec
GRATED with flags and bunting.
IF each citizen will do his part to
make this celebration worthy of the city
and the occasion. it will demonstrate to
the world the full measure of American
gratitude and admiration for our heroic
defenders, who willingly risked their
lives for the safety and honor OF the
flag.
"In witness whereof 1 have hereunto
set my hand and affixed my seal of Of
flee this 18th day of August. A. d. 1898.
ROBERT A. VAN WICK, Mayor"