The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-12-20

hearts.
THE republic is today larger,
stronger and better prepared han ever
before for wise and profitable develop
ments in new directions and along new
lines. Even if the minds Of some Of
our own people are still disturbed by
perplexing and anxious doubts in which
all of us have shared and still share,
the genius of American civilization will,
I believe, be found capable of subserv-
ing the great interests which will be
confided in our keeping.
Forever in the right, following the
best impulses and clinging to high pur-
poses, using properly and within right
limits our power and opportunities,
honorable reward must inevitably fol-
low. The outcome nnot be in doubt.
I'VE could have avoided all the diff
iculties that lie across the pathway
of the nation if a few months ago we
had ignored the piteous appeals of the
starving and oppressed inhabitants of
Cub If we had blinded ourselves to
the conditions so near our shores and
turned a deaf ear to our suffering
neighbors the issue of territorial ex-
pansion in the Antilles and the East
Indies would not have been raised. But
could we ave justified such a course?
Is there any one who would now de-
clare another to have been the better
course? With less humanity and less
courage on our part, the Spanish flag,
instead of the Stars and Stripes, would
still be floating at Cavite, at Ponce
and at Santiago and a chance in the
race of life would be wanting to mill
ions Of beings, who today call this
nation noble, and who I trust will live
to call it blessed.
"Thus far we have lone our supreme
duty. Shall we now, when the victory
won in war is written in the treaty
nf noon 900 III 1919
plauds and waits in expectation, turn
timidly away from the duties imposed
upon the country by it's own great
deeds? And when the mists fade and
we see with cleared vision, may we not
go forth rejoicing in a strength which
has been employed solely for humanity
and always been tempered with justice
and mercy. confident of our ability to
meet the exigencies which await us
because confident that our course is
one OF duty and our cause that of
right.
After three cheers for Mckinley had
been given with a will, at the con-
clusion of his speech General Wheeler
rose from his seat on the platform.
Then came such enthusiasm, such pan
demonium as is seldom seen. Fol- three
minutes the audience cheered YELL
ed and waved their hats. Over and
over again this little southern general
tried to begin his speech and over
and over again he was compelled to
wait for the cheers to stop. Then the
band played Dixie and once more
the crowd broke into frantic cheers.
General Wheeler eulOgiZed the pres
ident and expressed his great pleasure
at the reception given to Mr.. McKin-
ley by Georgia.
HobsOn responded to loud calls with
an impassiOned speech in which he
drew the attention of his hearers, not
only to the bravery Of the American
soldiers and sailors, out to the chiv-
airy n bravery Of the Spanish SOL
diers, especially of Admiral Cervera.
Generals Shafter and Lawton scarce
ly more than bowed their
ments of the plaudits, and the meet
ing closed with a short speech from
Governor Johnston, of Alabama, in
which he referred to his states honor
in possessing two such distinguished
sons as Wheeler n Hobson.
The presidential party then drove
back to their hotel. On the way the
carriage in which were Generals SHAFT
ter and Lawtor vas run into by a
street car, and the two distinguished
officers were thrown to the street.
Neither was hurt and both were taken
into a carriage secured by Private
Secretary COrtelyou. A public recep-
ton at the governors mansion had to
NC pOolpOICu VII dCCOuIIl vi the late
ness OF the auditorium affair.
THE BANQUET.
In the beautifully decorated dining
room of the Kimball house tonight.
the Atlanta peace jubilee, which
brought to this city the president of
the United States, several members of
his cabinet and many distinguished
ngures of the war with Spain. and re-
suited in the u~tterances by the execu-
tive which have cemented hard and
fast the n between the north and
the south, was brought to a fitting
close by an elaborate banquet. Covers
were laid for 800.
All the city's distinguished guests
We're present and seated at the presi-
dents table. The Atlantians attend
ing the banquet were representatives
of the city's wealth and business in
terests. Many prominent men from all
parts of the south also graced the
tables.
Hon. Clark Howell, editor of The
Atlanta Constitution, acted as toast
master.
An elaborate menu was discussed
after which the speech making began.
Hon. Clark Howell introduced the
president.
h president as he arose, was the
recipient of a hearty and spontane-
u greeting. The cordially with
/ which he has been received on all oc-
casions during his visit was nowhere
more evident than at tonight's gatherr
ing. The executive was compelled 20
stand and bow some minutes before
those, abou the tables would permit
him to proceed. He said:
II am not a stranger to your hospi-
tality. You have always given me a
courteous and cordial reception. My
first visit was under the auspices Of
your fellow citizens. Captain Howell
and another distinguished Georgian,
the brilliant Grady, since called from
he field Of action where he was at
the height of his usefulness and when
n whole nation could i'll spare him.
as showed at his untimely death. We
were engaged in an economic discus
sion in whicf differences of opinion
prevailed and heated discussion ruled
the o 1 do not forget thai then,
although advocating the theory of
taxation seemingly opposed to the ma
II SnNify rnvfrnA~ ~ -s~- .-l