Evening star., 1898-08-25

are credit to the capital of the nation and
the flag they represent.
Very Sincerely Yours,
"R. A. ALGER,
Secretary of War"
Letters OF similar import were read from
Secretary Bliss, NJ. NJ Parker and Colonel
Henry May of the 1st Regiment, District of
Columbia National Guard.
Commissioner Ross.
Commissioner Ross was heartily applaud
ed when he made the opening address, and
he declared that the reception of the Dis
trict's soldiers should be the most success
| ful event i'll the history of the municipality.
In eloquent words he recalled the scenes at
tending the departure of the 1st District of
Columbia Regiment. Referring to their re-
turn, he said:
What is your duty in the premises?
when the great conventions come to
Washington people subscribe their
money literally to show appropriate honor
to the strangers within our gates, because
they are American citizens, and because
this is the national capital
But when in the entire history of the
| District was there such an appeal to the
great t-hearted people of Washington?
THE men who will again pass in review
before the honored chief magistrate of
victorious Deop3e the men who Will come
to us weak and worn with disease and with
uniforms ulSCOlOTeu ny Inc SUI WHICH lHey
have helped to free from the rule of the
Spaniard, are our own people. They have
risked their lives. endured, suffered for
their country. They have added to the dig
nifty and have enhanced the prestige of our
beloved Washington among the cities of
the world
LET us show them by actions more elo-
quent than any words how grateful
people can welcome their own returning
heroes.
THE sole object Of this meeting, there
fore, is to crystalline into appropriate ac-
ton the sentiments of pride and gratitude
which pervade this entire community.
This great assembly of representative citi-
zens shows that our people only want TO
know what is required of them in the way
of personal services or contributions OF
money in order to make the proposed re-
ception to regiment the most success
full public demonstration known in the en-
tire history of the municipality.
Mr.. Ross referred to the necessary
absence of Company Fl of the 1st Regiment,
which had been detained in Porto Rlco,
and said that while that company would not
accompany the returning regiment, It's
members would be remembered in every
brave soldiers.
Postmaster General Smith.
Marching Through Georgia" was played
by the Marine Band, after which Post
master General Charles Emory Smith was
introduced by Mr.. Ross. Mr.. Smith deliv-
cred an address that will always live In
the memory of those who heard him. His
eloquent language. faultless diction and
vivid word-painting showed him to be a
master of English and he was roundly ap-
plauded The audience listened with rapt
attention to his words, especially his refer
ence to the foreign policy that this coun-
try should adopt. Mr.. Smith paid an elo-
quent tribute to Col. Harres. and as a
journalist he said he was glad to honor
| this journalist who had laid down his pen
| to take up the sword at the call of his
| country.
This is great and inspiring popular out
pouring" said Mr.. Smith. You are gath
| cred here to prepare reception for your
returning representatives In the field. They
are coming home and you are rightly moved
| to give them a right royal welcome. They
are your heroes. They are your sons and
| brothers and husbands and sweethearts.
| They come from the field of duty and glory
| at the close of a short but resplendent and
| triumphant war, and you eagerly open your
arms to your own dear boys.
| 1T is a personal pleasure to me. it is
| an appreciated honor. to participate in this
| patriotic and enthusiastic demonstration.
| AS Journalist | am proud to join my trio
ute with yours to the accomplished and
faithful journalist who at his country'S ca II
| threw aside the pen for the sword and gal
| lantly marched at the head of his COM
mand to the tented field. He is true SOL
| dier, as he is a true citizen. brave earnest
| and dutiful, and l want to add a simple
| leaf to the noble garland of your own Col.
| Harries.
The relations of the government and the
| District of Columbia are of the most nti-
| mate character, and as a humble represen-
| tat1Ve l am glad to bring the greetings OF
| the government in this heartfelt Offering to
! your returning soldiers. When they march,
| ed forth on their high mission, the Presi-
| dent of the United States took fresh cour-
| age in his great task as he locked in their
| young and manly faces, and | am sure
| that no one is more joyous and thankful
htal lC Of 1ntr
| and kindred, crowned with the laurels Of
| faithful service and blessed with the ad-
| miration and love of all the people
| They richly deserve all The honors you
| can heap upon them. They are the en-
| bodiment and personification OF the ma
| tons unquenchable spirit of patriotism. At