Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1899-10-04
HIGH I2lECOMllrM.

DEW Y.'
HIGH FIECOMllIAl.
Washington. May !. 1898
Dewey The president, in the name
of tn" American people, thanks you and
your officers and men for your splendid
achievement and overwhelming victory
In recognition. he has appointed you
acting rear admiral. and will recon-
mend 3, vote of thanks 10 you by Con-
grcss as Il foundation for further pro-
motion"
In these few words which | have
read. what a volume OF history; what Il
record of swift. high. heroic discharge
OF duty. You went: you saw: you con-
quered. 1t seems but yesterday that
the republic, full Of anxiety. strained its
listening ear TO catch the first word
from those distant islands Of the sea.
II came flashing over the wires that
May morning as the sun burst through
the clouds, and filled every heart With
the illumination of its good cheer In
the twinlilinG Of an eye your name was
on every lip: the blessing of every
American was on your head: and YOUR
country strobe instantly forward a
mightier power among the nations of
the world. AS we welcome YOU back
there comes back also the vivid picture
OF that time. with all its hopes and
fears. and then with all its swift sue
cecding triumph "nd glory.
Let me read the Act of Congress in
pursuance Of which we are here He
then read the act authorizing the sword
presentation.
IN FURTHER ETLOGY.
IT was by this solemn enactment APP
proved by the President. that the peo-
pie Of the United States made provision
Tor putting in material form one ex-
preston of their appreciation of your
ralor as an officer of their navy and Of
your great achievement as their repre-
sentative in opening the door to Il new
ere in civilization of the world The
victory at Manila bay gave YOU rank
With the most distinguished naval he
roeS or all time. Nor was your merit
most in the brilliant victory which YOU
achieved in q battle fought with the ut
most SallantlE and skill engaged with
out error and crowned with overwhelm-
ing success. Later nv your
display Of large powers OF administra-
non by Your poise and prudence, and
10y your great discretion. not only in
tact. bu1 also in word, which is almost
more important, YOU proved yourself a
great representative citizen of the
United States. as we'll as now it's great
naval hero. The luster Of the American
navy was seriously bright before, and
you have added to it a new luSter Its
constellation of stars was glorious be-
fore. and you have added TO it another
star OF the first magnitude. I'll
A GREAT TRUST.
BY authorizing the presentation Of
THIS sword to YOU, as the mark of her
approval. your country has recognized
therefore, not only the great rich fruits
which, even before returning from Your
VIC, victory. you have poured into her lap
but also her own responsibility to dis
charge the great trust which is thus
put upon her and fulfil the destiny Of
her own growth and Of the empire that
is now her charge
1T is my good fortune under the
terms of the enactment of Congress. to
have the honor of presenting to YOU this
beautiful sword. If, during the many
coming wears which I trust will be
yours of useful service to your country
it shall remain sheathed in peace, as
600 SraEt it may. that fact will per-
haps be due more than to anything else
to the thoroughness with which YOU
ave already done it's work congratu-
late you on your return across the sea
in full health of mind and body to re-
celVe 1t here: here in the National Cap
ital; here on these consecrated steps
where Lincoln stood: here, standing be-
tween the statue Of the first president
Of the United States ana him who is its
living president today; here in this
beautiful city adorned with the statues
OF It's statesmen and heroes, the num-
Der incomplete until your own is added: :
here, amid this throng Of citizens, who
are only type of the millions and mil
lions more who are all animated by the
same spirit Of affectionate and grateful
welcome. cannot doubt that it is one
OF the prOunest days Of your life. and +
know that it is one OF the happiest in
the heart Of each one of your fellow
countrymen. wherever they are, wheth-
on the continent or on the far-off is
lands of the sea.
'rNOW- following tho
Congress present this sword of honor
which / hold in my hand-my hand.
rather let it go to you through the hand
OF one who in his youth also peri!ed his
life and fought for his country in bat
tie, and who. today, is the commander
il,-chief of all our armies and nayies.
the President OF the United States
THE PRESIDENT SPEAKS
AS secretary Long passed the sword
10 President Mckinley the latter rose
and faced the Admiral Dewey was
was visibly affected and brushed his
gloved hands across his eyes before
standing at attention
The President said:
admiral Dewey: From your entrance
IN the harbor of New York with yo,,r
gallant crew and valiant ship the dem
ohstrations which everywhere have
greeted you. reveal the public esteem
0! your heroic action and the fullness
your country ~
me voice Of the nation is lifted in
Praise and gratitude for the distin-
eulsned and memorable services Won
nave rendered the country and all the
People give you affectionatc welcome
nome in which join with all my heart.
our victory exalted American yalur
and extended American authorize
There was no flaw in your victory:
there will be no faltering in maintain