The evening times., 1898-09-12

been called from Hampton Roads to
Washington to undergo examination for
promotion, and the ship came in under
charge of the executive officer, Lieut..
c. A. Merriam.
Soon after she anchored relatives and
friends of the boys crowded on the yes
sci, and happy faces beamed over the
homecoming of some particular Jack
tar" The young seamen were soon TAX
ing their visit0rs over the ship. Every
nook was Investigated, and the explain
nations listened 10 with interest. Patting
one of the 6-inch guns a jolly young
seaman explained how 1t plunked the
Spanish blockhouses, and then the story
of the cruise was told again.
Soon the reception committee came in
sight on the city tug Baltimore The
men were soon at their stations, and the
Marine Guard was drawn up on the spar
deck TO receive the committee. Lieut.
Merriam. surrounded by the other Off
GERS, stood at the head of the stairway.
which had been dropped over the side of
the ship. Headed by Lieut. e l. Emer-
son, commander of the Maryland Naval
Militia, the committee came aboard the
ship. On reaching the spar deck they
were given d hearty welcome. Mayor
Master followed Lieut.. Emerson and
then came the other members of the COM
mittee, including Congressman McIn-
tire, Col. J. Frank Supplee. Col Willard
Howard, Lieut.. Edwin Geer and Mr.. C.
II. Forrest
The officers took the committee into
the commanders cabin and there the
formal welcome was given. Lieut.
Merriam handed Mayor Master letter
from Commander Davis. 1t was read by
the mayor, and was as follows:
My Dear Mr. Mayor:
This will be handed to you by Lieut.. c. A.
Merriam. executive officer of the Dixie tempo
rarily in command. | beg leave to present him
10 you and to say that whatever of success has at
tended the Dixie is due in large measure TO his
great ability as officer, TO his energy and untir
ing patience rs executive. The Maryland Naval
Reserves owe more than perhaps they realize to
Mr.. Merriam. He Will explain my absence to
you, but wish to say 10 you myself my dear
Mr.. Mayor, that my regret on this occasion is un-
felgned, and is heightened by my regard for you
personally and by the recollection OF our former
pleasant relations, both at the Columbian yard
and on board ship. beg that you will convey to
the committee my regret at an unavoidable alb.
sence, and believe me, with great respect, sin
cerely yours, c. H. DAVIS
Lieutenant Merriam explained that
Commander Davis had been ordered to
Washington. Mayor Master then said:
I'm the name of the peop'e of the city of
Baltimore / extend to the officers and
men of the Dixie an affectionate welcome
10 lNelr MONIES. we are proud TO extend
the hand of hearty goodwill to the men
whose actions have added luSter to the
glory of our country and of the State of
Maryland. The prayers of mothers have
followed your ship in the vicissitudes of
her work in the West Indies. The eyes
of Maryland have been constantly on the
conspicuous service which you men have
rendered in Porto Rico and the West In
dies. There cannot be a distinction in
patriotism, as it belongs to no party
creed or color. Every citizen welcomes
you, and you will hear with pride that the
beautiful women of Baltimore have their
sweetest smiles in store for you"
Lieutenat Merriam in reply, said:
I'VE thank you for the opportunity to eX-
press the appreciation We have for the
people of Baltimore. Without hesitation
/ can say that II contributed in a great
degree to our success. For the Ladies
Auxiliary we have the deepest sense Of
gratitude, and without their generous aid
things which are not part of a ships
stores. We are grateful to the people of
Baltimore for the kind regard and in
terest which has kept us keyed up to a
concert pitch 10 do well whatever might
come to our lot. 1t was our good fortune
TO be at Santiago and then in the block
aiding feet and with the army of invasion
OF Porto Rico. 1t has been our constant
aim to contribute to that grand final re-
suit, the defeat Of the common enemy"
There are on the ship PSI of the naval