The times., 1899-08-07
THE NATION INTERESTED
Widening Scope Of the Local Re
ception TO Dewey.
Enquiries Concerning the Affair BE-
ing Received Prom All Parts of
the Country-The Committee ObiiG-
ed to Make More Elaborate Plans
Than Was at First Intended.

From the present progress OF the work
of the committee of one hundred citizens
appointed to make arrangements for the
reception of Admiral Dewey, it is very
probable that the last OF next week will
witness the completion of the work of ap-
pointing subcommittee. As soon as pcs
sible each subcommittee, as It Is organized
will take up the work TO which it has
been assigned and prosecute it vigorously
The subcommittee which have already
been named will. no doubt. get to work
before the others, but it is expected that
all will have held meetings two weeks
hence
The prompt manner in which many who
have been asked to serve on the commit
/ tees already appointed have sent their ae-
ceptance to Secretary Van Wickle is q
matter of qualification TO all interested
AS yet not one declination has been re-
eeived. Although there has not been suf-
ficient tins in which TO receive answers
from all who have been invited to serve
1t is thought that there will be few re-
fusals. This fact, as much as anything
else. shows the feelings of the citizens of
Washington toward Admiral Dewey. Every
where the heartiest cooperation is promis-
ed, and there seems TO be a sentiment OF
pride and intense interest on the part Of
every committeeman in the Admiral's re-
ception, which will aid in making it as
great a demonstration as Washington has
ever witnessed.
The Importance of the event and its na-
tional character seem to demonstrate them
selves more and more each day. The Of
ficers of the committee OF one hundred are
constantly receiving letters OF enquiry from
all sections of the country. asking about
the reception. John W. Bab5on the treas
urer of the committee OF one hundred. re-
eeived letter yesterday from a prominent
railroad official of one Of the Dig roads in
Maine, asking for particulars OF the re-
ception and intimating that the people OF
Maine are interested in the event to such
an extent that it is more than likely that
many visitors from the State will be ia
attendance. TIE letter is but sample
many others having been received from
various parts OF the country. all of which
indicate thai the reception in this city is
the great Dewey event to which the people
are looking forward.
Mr. Babson, in discussing the reception,
stated that the affair is assuming larger
proportions than the committee of one
hundred anticipated until within the past
week or two. There are unmistakable
evidences said Mr. Babson, THAT the re-
ception to be given is attracting national
attention. People in all parts Of the
country are making enquiries and. II in
dieations count for anything, the city viii
have occasion to entertain fully as many
visitors as it ever has during inaugurations
or on other occasions. The committee is
being forced by the sentiment which seems
to be broadcast to make the celebration
more elaborate than they at first intended
''The presentation Of the sword voted
/ by Congress and the reception to be
given the Admiral by President Mckinley
! form attractions in which every patriotic
American is interested, and it is safe TO
! say that as many as can come from near
/ by and distant States will attend
Washington has the opportunity to re-
| feet great credit upon itself, and the indi-
| cations are that every citizen is deeply in
| terested and is willing to do his share.
! The event now promises to be national in
every sense OF the word