The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1899-05-25

THE TRIBUTE TO DEWEY.
From some quarters there come ques-
lions - TO the propriety and good taste
Of the work now In progress for the
raising Of . fund with which to pur-
chase . home for Admiral Dewey in
Washington. II II urged by these
critics that there 10 something sordid
about the proposal to recompense the
great admiral for his services to his
country by . present Of mere dollars
and cents. or their equivalent In real
estate. 1t is even suggested that a more
appropriate use to be made OF the fund
would be the erection Of some memorial
building for educational or charitable
purposes. to be given his name. or tina:
some costly but practically useless arti-
Gle. such as o jeweled punch bowl or a
magnificent sword. would be more ap-
propriate.
These objections seem purely senti-
mental. The work which the great ad-
miral has done for his country. It Is
true. can not be measured nor rewarded
In dollars; neither Ii the proposed trib-
ute to him based on such q conception.
II Is simply the admiration and respect
u the American people. taking a prac-
teal form In presenting something which
viii be OF practical use to him for tho re-
mainder Of hts life, and which will tend to
make his declining years easier or more
enjoyable.
To a sentimentaiist there Is some
thing sordid Ia the thought that q great
epoch making poem should be sold In
the market place for few pieces Of sil-
yer. But the great poet himself. while
no thought OF a pecuniary reward may
have entered his mind while engaged
upon the work. finds substantial sense
OF qualification In the check which he
receives from the book publisher.
As far as presidents are concerned.
they are all in favor Of the tribute TO
H.
From the earliest recorded history,
grateful nations have heaped upon their
war heroes honors. lands and money
Had an English commander won such
a naval battle as that OF Manila bay. a
peerage and a grant Of lands and money
sufficient TO support the title would.
without question. have been his reward.
Grant, Sherman and Sheridan, heroes
Of the last war. were all presented,
through funds raised by popular sub
scription. with homes, and received as
well from the government the highest
military honors.
Such a voluntary tribute by the peo-
pie OF the country as is proposed has
thus ample precedent to sustain II. and
there Is no question would be acceptable
to- Admiral Dewey. That In itself Is sut-
tieient To settle the advisahillty and pro-
priety OF the matter.
1t Is probable that there Is one thing
could do for Admiral Dewey. fer which
he would feel far more grateful than
for any other tribute which they could
pay. A modest gentleman, Of advanced
years. he is returning home with his
health shattered by arduous duties.
great responsibilities and a trying eli
mate, What he needs ana what he ar
dertly desires. Is rest, renose. freedom
from all work ard anxiety. AM. an or
rortunity 10 recuperate
II he could be assured this, hts home
coming would not be such terror 20
him, as ne frankly confesses II Is. Had
|, not besn for his natural dread Of a
series OF summltuous receptions" ex-
tending the whole breadth Of the cont
nemt. 10 is safe III say he would have
quietly taken steamer sor Pacific part.
and thence gnne by rail- 70 his home. in
stead ot swei.ersng through the ,orri,
| heat ~ voyage hv the Indian ocean.
the Red sea and Mediterranean.
/ /, II. 81 course. too much 20 sxnec.
/ that the great a3ussrars own wishes N
this matter would BE observed Too
| many are tssirous Of haxsinx In the 70
fecsea IiShs which win ~ thrown upon
these who figure as ire entertainers II
| the popular hero. Hence. he Wit have
! "a 80 through the added torture OF re-
| ceestors, han1rsts. speeches r-o-es-
| siens ard tas like. before re VIII Re rs-
sutsfsa 90 seek TIRE rest an! quiet which
Re Graves II rsrsv kin him. hu, i, VII,
| Re All trr his rs,~r.
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