The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-10-26
PRESENTED WITH A SWORD
New Jersey Pays Tribute of
Honor to Admiral Sampson.
WAS CHEERED TOTHEECHO
In Accepting the Gift the Admiral
Speaks Very Feelingly in Praise
OF the Men of His
Squadron,

Trenton, N. j., Oct. 25.--Upon the oc.
casion CT the presentation of a sword
TO Admiral Sampson to-day Governor
voorhees,, referring to SIMPSONS COM
mand Of the Atlantic squadron at San.
tiago, said: with ceaseless patience
you labored to perfect your plan of ac-
tion for the supreme hour of trial. With
breathless interest you watched the
going and coming of the ships that
awaited and obeyed your command.
We knew it not then, but we know it
now, that through the narrow portals
guarding the entrance to Santiago har-
Dor escape was impossible. Against
your prudent foresight and your care
full plans the fleet of the enemy might
struggle in vain. To our arms came
another victory, which in it's complete
ness finds no parallel in naval war;
fare"
Admiral Sampson in accepting the
sword spoke as follows:
1T is with no little pride that I arise
to thank the people of New Jersey
for this beautiful sword. Whether this
be considered an expression of the do
nors' estimate Of my services during
the Spanish-American war or an ex-
preston of what they consider their
Indebtedness to whoever the debt may
be due, and l, as a resident of the
state, of the state, am chosen to re-
cefve the honor-whichever your gen
erous motive may be, the honor is
great.
The newspapers recently noticed tn ?
sale at auction of the sword of honor
given less than hundred years ago
by two OF Englands leading cities to
Lord Collinwood. one of Nelson's great
est captains. The thought occurred to
me as | read it, can it be that one of
England's greatest admirals, once so
honored, is forgotten; that there is no
one even to save these trophies from
the auctionee's hammer? This Incl
dent suggested other grave thoughts to
one inclined to hook on the dark side
of things. 1t is true that honors are
short-lived. Life itself is brief, vet
these facts do not dim the bright view
of the picture, the promptness with
which the human heart is stirred by
generous impulses, ready on each new
occasion to express appreciation and
mete out reward wherever it is thought
to be due.
He. then, who is the recipient of
such honors must look to it that he is
worthy, else the gift is valueless. War
ana its slories and its triumphs have
been lauded through all ages. No man
prepares himself for battle no one sue
cesssfully enters it without first an eff
facement of self and selfish motives
IN even the poorest soul is born in that
hour the finest impulses that adorn
our human nature
Far above all else We are thankful
FOR In the hour Of triumph or defeat
IS the sense that for once we have met
our best selves face to face If mis-
take not. you make me to-day the rep-
resentative of those who fought well
at Santiago. Courage and valor in one
man may be fine, but unless courage
and valor had been multiplied a thous-
and fold and in thousand hearts that
Jay there might have been different
tale to tell
am proud for and proud of my
confreres, and in their name. Jointly
with my own, I accept your gift. You
nave honored me because l was the
commander. and though to have been
Inc commander was honor enough
your acknowledgements Of this here and
IN TINS manner is precious to me- That
l receive it, your excellency, from your
hands, the governor of my adopted
state, adds greatly to it's value. Be
cause | care | am unable to say how
much I care"
This ended the formal presentation
ceremony. Afterwards Admiral Samp-
son gave reception. At the conclu-
sion OF Admiral SIMPSONS speech of
acceptance the audience arose and
gave vent to prolonged cheers.
All but three of the naval command
ents who were present at Santiago were
here to-day. The three absentees were
Admiral Schley, Admiral Higginson and
capt. Robley D. Evans. Admiral Hig-
glnson was too sick to come and Cap
tam Evans missed his train President
Mckinley. the secretary of the navy
ana Admiral Dewey sent letters of re-
greet.
AS Governor Voorhees, closed his pres
entation speech and the admiral rose to
respond. all the naval officers arose and
Joined heartily in three cheers for the
admiral. which We're proposed by Ad-
mlral Philip. Following this he held a
reception in the executive chamber
where he shook hands with all who
called to pay their respects.