Daily Kennebec journal., 1899-05-02

Wilmer Of the Monadnock. Il was
hoped that Capt Robley p. Evans Of
the Iowa. might be present, but at the
last moment he sent word that he was
detained in Washington. The speech
es We're all of an eloquent nature, Ad-
miral Dewey being the principal theme.
each mention Of his name bringing
forth rounds Of cheers and applause.
Hon. Won l.. Meyer, the president Of
the club. introduced the speakers with
well chosen words. Sec. Long being the
first to receive greetings Of the club.
The next speaker was Lieut.. Com
mander Corwin Rees of the Newport
torpedo station. who, on the memora-
bic day. carried out the orders of Ad-
miral Dewey as executive officer Of the
flagship Olympia. His speech. which
was particularly eloquent, compliment
ed Pres. Mckinley and Sec. Long for
their able foresight in supplying
DcWey's fleet with the necessary fight
ing material. He said the battle was
the most daring in its execution of
this or any other war. 1t seemed in
comprehensive that an unarmOred
squadron could dash through such a
storm Of shot and shell, ana emerge
without the loss of a ship, a man or a
meal. Never was there such a lesson
of eternal vigilance 50 we'll eXempiiied.
No one ever asked ur questioned which
vessel led the fleet, for on master mind
directed all. Dewey Staked all because
he had confidence in American seamen.
Mr.. Rees closed his remarks by brief
ly recountng the different events in
the battle as seen from the bridge Of
the Olympia.
Capt. Wildes. who commanded the
cruiser Boston. read to the club his
own report Of the fight which report is
now among the files Of the navy de-
partment. Capt. Wildes did not at
tempt el0quence but recounted what
the Boston did from the time the fleet
left Mrs bay until it anchored, victori- |
Gus, before Cavite, shortly after noon, !
just one year ago today.
Commander James Il. Selfridge. who !
served as executive officer on board |
the monitor Puritan. during the block |
ade off the Cuban coast, rehearsed |
number Of incidents connected with |
the battle of Matanzas, while Lieut.. |
Commander +. \. Wilmer, who was on !
the MonadnocE Oh her voyage across \
the Pacific to reinforce Admiral 4
Dewey. also related some interesting
incidents in Manila bay. The other |
speakers of the evening were Hon. |
William II. Moody Of Haycrhill, and |
Hon WIN. s. Knox of Lawrence.
The Pine Tree State club held a |
largely attended meeting, tonight, at
Hotel Vcndome principally in honor OF /,
the victory Of Manila bay. ana enter
tanned ak guests Secretary Long, q ma
tive of Maine, Lieut.. Commander Rees,
who served as executive officer of the
Olympia, Chaplain Hoes, formerly of
the hattleship Iowa, and r. Stanhope
Hill. secretary Of the Massachusetts
Nautical Training school. ID. &. Heath
of this city, presided. and Chaploin
Hoes was the first speaker. He re-
counted many interesting scenes dur
ing the war, principally Of the battle
Of Santiago and the surrender Of Ger
vera to capt. Evans Of the Iowa.
Secretary Long. who came from the
banquet Of the Essex Club, with Lieut..
Commander Rees, made an eloquent
defence of the administration against
the attacks of the sO-called "Anti-lm-
perialists'' of Boston. He claimed that
the treatment of the T'ilipinos had been
humane until they rebelled. The adj {
was Still ready to deal
With them. he said, fairly and honest
". and they would find this was so ;
when peace was declared. Z
Lieut.. Commander Rees spoke elo- !
1uently Of Admiral Dewey and told !
some interesting incidents Of the ia {
nous battle of a year ago. Mr.. Hill
.eferred to the old Enterprise Of Revo- !
utionary days and Of the vessel Of the
same name. which. in 1872. won the
'amous victory over the Boxer.