The Portland daily press., 1898-06-06
FLAG RAISING.
The Patriotic Occasion at j. r. Lib
by's.


Music by the Band.
On Saturday evening Il flag was thrown
to the breeze on Congress street oy INC
j. R. Libby company. The flag is @o2'o
feet in size and is one that Will MAKE
every American citizen feel proud that
he is protected by such an emblem.
Promptly at 7o'clook the American
Cadet band, which was stationed at the
corner of Oak and Congress streets, struck
up selection and the crowd, which was
constantly increasing all the time, soon
packed Congress street from Green to
Casoo, while Oak street was filled.
A second selection was given by the
band, after which the flag was unfurled
and several hundred little leaflets, with
the words America" on them: were
scattered among the people. AS the flag
gracefully unfurled the band played the
''Star Spangled Banner" and the crowd
gave three cheers for "Old Glory
Hon. Geo. NJ. Soldiers then mounted
a small platform in the doorway of the
store and spoke in substance as follows:
FELLOW citizens-I suppose ought to
address you on this occasion as citizens
of the United States and the Philippine
islands since the brave Admiral Dewey
has given them to us. Not only in the
State of Maine, but in every state IN
the Union over which our flag floats is
enthusiasm felt and patriotism runs
high as the people think of the brave
Dewey as he sailed into Manila bay and
faced the Spanish with his Yankee tars,
and how sweeping was his victory at that
time. There is not one American citi-
zen in any town or place in the United
States whose heart does not throb with
enthusiasm when he thinks of Dewey in
Manila harbor. (Applause) 1t is only
within 4S hours that crew Of eight men
in Santiago harbor performed a deed of
heroism that was received with ringing
words of praise, not only by Americans,
but the Spanish people also. 1t was
surprise to the Spaniards to see such
bravery displayed, but they had to ack-
knowledge it. When war with Spain was
humanity and our government had
ample reasons to put 1t on these groin DIS.
The American people have another good
reason and although not publicly ex-
pressed, we all know what that reason
is. Through treachery in time of peace
our beautiful battleship Maine was blown
to pieces in Havana harbor and hundreds
of our brave sailors killed. I believe the
people are right. I am only forerunner
on this occasion and will mes take up
much of your time. A great deal of honor
and patriotism has been shown by this
company in throwing to the breeze prob.
ably the largest flag ever flown in this
city. 1t is the banner which Grant
followed when he moved by the left flank
in his historic battle and won such {.
signal victory. 1t is the same that Sher
man followed on his march to the sea,
with which you are all familiar. 1t is
the same which our brave boys in blue
followed when the fight known as the
bloody angle occurred in which they
were moved down by thousands. There
is no need OF going. through the list for
most OF you are familiar with the history
of our flag and the many scenes over
which it has waved on its way to VIC
tory. I now have the honor to call to the
stand Hon. Levi Turner, who will ad-
dress you. CHEERS
MIR. Turner then mounted the platform
and was received with hearty applause
Hewas frequently interrupted in his speech
by bursts Of enthusiastic applause and
at the close was heartily cheered.
Mr.. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:
The object Of this occasion, if I under
stand it Alright, is to give some slight
visible expression to the loyal sentiment
and patriotic feelings of the people of this
city, and to assure the brave young men
whom we have lately sent to the trent,
that. whatever fortune may hetide them
our thoughts and sympathies are ever
with them, and that the metropolis city
Of the grand old Pine Tree state has lost
none of its old-timed loyalty to the stars
and stripes.
My observation of the people of Port
land is that they do not jump at oonclu-
SionS, or run amuck with the brainless
frenzy Of thoughtless enthusiasm. On
the contrary their judgments are reached
only after considerate attent;..s and de-
n ToQC nirC and 1,,,h
weeks ago we all were practically unanl-
nous that almost anything short of a sac
rl1ce Ct national honor would be prefer
able to war, now that war is actually
upon US and our patriotism is put to the
lest, there is no questioning, no Waver-
ing no halting; Portland filings her colors
to the breeze, and, in perfsct unison with
the glorious sentiment which thrills this
cation throughout It's entire length and
breadth, keeping time to the music of the
union, she now takes her place in the
front ranks OF the nations patriotic hosts.
No matter what exigencies may befall
our country, no matter how perilous the
task, how arduous the duty, how import
ant the office or station, the sons of Port.
land will always in the future, as they
have in the past, unflinchingly respond to
their country's call, and whatever the
work assigned them, will achieve honor
FOR themselves and reflect credit upon the
name Of our good city.
NO more brave and manly set OF fellows
can be found than the officers and men
whom Portland has already contributed
TO this war, and for the benefit of Presl-
dent Mckinley, or rather perhaps for the
benefit of the Spaniards, let me say we
have still an abundance of the same stuff
left.
Let it never be forgotten that this war
Is not one of our own seeking. We enter
npon it with no passion for conquest, in
no fever for glory, in no desire to expand
Dur territorial limits, but rather with the
sober consciousness that there is plain,
simple, memorable duty devolving npon
us. Our action is based upon the sub
lime principle of humanity, upon the
bedrock of Christianity. BY this issue
we stand OR fall. Upon the business of
cur cause we challenge the criticism of
the world, and for its success we invoke
the goodwill of united Christendom
and the blessings of the God of battles.
While We know war is not a picnic
nor a barbecue nor q midsummer night
dream and has no roseate hues nor prim-