Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1898-08-30
THE GREAT NAVAL PARADE.
THE RETURN or THE FLEET FROM
CUBAN WATERS.
NEW YORK, Aug. 20, 1898.

The weather was charming, and all
agreed that had II been made to order,
there could not have been any improve
ment on the day Of Aug. 20, which saw
the homecoming Of our feet after It's
conquest at Santiago.
The grand old Hudson, which has
chronicled 30 many thrilling events in
our nations history, never saw . proud
er day than when DER her blue trans
parent waters sailed the ships Of the
victorious squadron which had van
pushed Spain, and now came home,
bearing scars Of the strife, TO be wei
coined by q thankful people.
The masses had gathered on the banks
Of the river where there were no re-
served seats, and Wall Street brokers
might be seen rubbing elbows with the
most humble dock hand, whose Interest
WAS no less because he did not fash a
solitaire or sport silk hat.
The sun had nearly reached It's high
eat meridian when the flagship, New
York, surrounded by flotills Of tugs
and excursion boats, steamed majesti-
cally up the river, followed consecutive
~ by the Iowa, Indiana, Brooklyn, Mas
sachusetts, Oregon and Texas. As they
passed, for moment, only the exulta-
ton Of grateful people could be heard,
and then the big guns peeled out q
salute OF twenty-one guns In honor OF
the dead hero, whose massive tomb near
the water front Is true testimony OF
how the American people recognize and
remember the brave defenders OF their
country.
The Brooklyn Was the most admired
for the fine appearance she presented,
but the Oregon was the most sought,
and every one craned his neck q tride
higher to see the big ship, whose record
in the last six months has astonished
the world.
The "jsckies" had gathered on deck, ar
rayed In suits OF duck, their dark olive
faces standing out In bold relief against
the Wilderness OF their attire. The bright
flags, that had long done signal duty,
were flung out on the breeze, and pre-
| sented a pleasant contrast to the leaden
colored hulks and black smoke stacks
which the ships had assumed since the
beginning OF hostilitles.
After firing the salute, the ships
swung gracefully about on the return
voyage, which was accompanied by even
more enthusiasm than their progress up
the river had been, and In five hours
from the time the ships were met by the
city officials and notified Of the welcome
awaiting them, they came to anchor of
Tomkinsville.
Two years previous to this glad day,
In 1896, the writer CHANGED to be on an
excursion boat bound for Rockawav,
and passed what Was then known only
as the White Squadron, as 1t lay ut an
Choir In the harbor, looking so spick and
span with Its immaculate exterior, and
metal work shining like the SUI. The
people gazed with interest and admira-
ton, but there were no demonstrations
at the tidy little feet which had yet to
make It's reputation. But to-day, what
joy, what exultstion these dark hued
ships call forth. A riddled flag, a
punctured smoke stack tell story which
only the brave officers and marines can
understand.
All honor to the brave commanders,
who directed the movements OF the ships
aud honor to the brave '.jsckies," who
stood 1T their guns while shot and shell
rained all about, and with unfaltering
courage and steady aim returned fire
far more deadly and destructive than
that OF q formidable foe, righting q ma
tons wrongs, and freeing an unhappy
and misused people from bondage. May
their well-deserved holiday be q long
and happy one.