Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-04-04
GREETING CAPTAIN SIGSBEE
President Mckinley in Line to Do Honor to
Maine Commander.
Brilliant Event at the Arlington
Patriotic Music Provided and
American ColOrs Displayed.

In the long line Of nearly fifteen hundred
people who passed through the parlors of
the Arlington Hotel Saturday night to greet
and commend Capt. Charles D. Sigsbee,
the gallant commander of the Maine, the
President of the United States took his
place like any other citizen and awaited
his turn to grasp the hand of the guest Of
honor, and express his pleasure at the op-
portunity.
Preceding and following the President of
the nation were men distinguished in its
contemporary history; men who were shap-
ing the destinies of the country in the cru
chile of an awful crisis; statesmen and pol
iticians who have become like statesmen
in the patriotic fever of the moment; men
famed in science and illustrious in discov-
cry, distinguished in art and in literature,
and prominent in the business affairs
which make the commercial nation great
and prosperous.
The occasion was well worthy Of such a
gathering because the central figure
around which the assemblage revolved
epitomized the feeling that made every
heart beat loyalty and earnestly for the
flag and the honor of it.
The decorations of the parlors and ball
room were in keeping with the sentiment.
1t was all American. The flags and bunt-
ing We're everywhere plentiful, and the
southern palms and ferns made more bril-
hantly beautiful the profuse blooms Of the
American beauty roses. The Marine Band,
under Prof. Santemanns leadership,
played national airs, because it was signifi-
cantly national event, and a lively waltz
at intervals would be followed by the in
spring burst of a national air. Full uni
formed marines stood at attention at the
entrances.
Presidents Cordial Greeting.
Capt. Sigsbee was in the second reception
parlor beneath a large American flag, and
with him were Prof. Alexander Graham
Bell, the president Of the National Geo.
graphic Society, under the auspices of
which the reception was given, and Mr..
Bernard r. Green, who introduced the
guests. The line of callers had been pass
ing Capt. Sigsbee but a short time when
President Mckinley arrived, in co1pany
with Mr. Charles J. Bell of the committee
of arrangements. President Mckinley
would not permit special way being made
for him, and remained in the line. When
he reached Capt Sigsbee he grasped the
latter's hand with his right and covered it
with his left, saying as he did so
Captain, 1t gives me great pleasure to
nave the honor to meet YOU
After a brief exchange of words the
President passed on into the ball room the
band playing Hail to the Chief
The Vice President and Mrs. Hobart ar
rived an hour after President Mckinley
had departed, and were warm in eheir
greeting of Capt. Sigsbee.
Significant Event.
The most significant event of the evening"
after President McKinley's coming was tie
announcement of Chairman Boutelle of the
House naval committee, who, after telling
Capt. Sigsbee that the House had passed
the battle ships bill and the Senate would
do the same, said:
I'VE will put you in command of the
finest battle ship in the navy"
Mrs. Sigsbee and her daughters were
present and stood at the opposite side of
the parlor from Capt. Sigsbee and were the
recipients of almost as much attention at
the conclusion of the reception. Capt Sigs-
bee and Mrs. Henry F. Blount strolIed
through the parlors and ball room, tn,
captain genially greeting many old friends
The board of managers of the National
Geographic Society was assisted by Mrs
Blount. Miss E. F. Bell, Mrs. F. V. Col
vile, Mrs. W. H. Dali, Mrs. L. T. Day,
Mrs. Henry Gannett. Mrs. G. K Gilbert,
Mrs. A. W. Greedy, Mrs. John Hyde, Mrs
w. j. MCGEE, Mrs. c. Hart Merriam Mrs
H G. Ogden, Miss E. NJ. Bell and Miss E.
R. Scidmore, and the arrangements SO sue
cessfully carried out were in charge of
Prof. Bell. Mr.. Charles ]. Bell, Col Henry
F. Blount and Prof. w. j. MCGEE