The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1899-05-03

Detroit, May S.-The Michigan society,
Sons OF the American Revolution, en-
tertaned visiting delegates. officials of
the order and distinguished guests last
night at a grand dinner. The menu was
elaborate and the decorations fine.
The occasion was made notable by the
presence of Secretary Alger, Senator
Depew, Major General Wheeler, Major
General Merritt. General King. Inspec-
tor General Breckenridge and many
others who rendered distinguished serv-
tees i'm the Spanish and the Civil wars.
After discussion OF the menu, ex-Sena-
tor Palmer. president OF the Michigan
society, as toastmaster. began the
speechmaking. When he mentioned the
name OF Secretary Alger the banqueters
rose and cheered enthusiastically
The speakers chose their own subjects.
Franklin Murphy. the newly elected
president general OF the national society.
was first called upon. He responded
happily and appropriately. His men
tion OF the war heroes present was heart
lily cheered.
Secretary Alger was next called upon.
He said In part: "Under the American
flag battles have been fought and won
against every force that has sought TO
check its onward progress toward the
setting sun; flag that has never yet
been unfurled against an enemy but to
prevail. Every sign Of the present and
past assures us that this government Is
destined To be permanently In the lead;
that this country is to be. IL II is not al
ready. the center OK civilization and OF
power which rests in all the people.
on April u. 1895. under the first call for
volunteers, l2s,00 patriots were sent into
the field. At that time. owing to per
sistent parsimony OF congress in maxi
ing appropriations for munitions OF war.
we had no equipment for war. but We
had men and We had the manufacturers
who. sooner thdn those OF any other ma
tion, could equip an army, which, includ-
ing the volunteers OF the first and second
calls, numbered approximately $4,000.
This army was marshalled in camps and
equipped: 50 go were sent 10 distant ISL
ands 10000 miles apart: battles were
fought. victories were won without a
Single reverse or without the loss of
gun or a color and all this within 1l3
days from the declaration of war to the
signing Of the protocol.
"Supposlng they had a little beef
spoiled. Whit OF it? II they had had
no beef at all they would have had more
than General Joe Wheeler and / had in
that other war.
"The people OF the United states have
never sought territorial accession except
TO the benefit OF the peoples that came
with IL. The flag OF this nation has been
hoisted over Cuba Porto Rico and the
Philippines, In lands whose peoples have
for centuries been oppressed by Spanish
msrule. We can be assured. as IL has
been raised In Porto Rico and the Philip
pines. there Il will remain.
Every great achievement Is made al a
eacrifice. May We hope as result OF the
conquest Of the past Il months that civil
ization. education. christianity and God
fearing people shall bless the United
States. SO long 40 IL endures, FOR the
heroic sacrifice that has been made for
men and for freedom. We are today, we
hope nearing The end OF the conflict. ard
near the dawn OF peace in the Philip
pines Upon every lip is hourly ex-
pressed. What Of the future?' God in
his infinite wisdom only can answer that
question and as he has guided us thus
far. we can feel assured that as he rules
what is right, Will be.
Major General Merritt was the next
speaker Said he: When we went 10
the Philippines there was only one