The record-union., 1899-05-01
DEWEY DAY, RAIN OR SHINE.

Should it rain to-day, OF course the
arranged for in this city will have to
be put over to another date. But rain
or shine the day should be observed.
The Stars and Stripes should rise over
benediction over every home where hero
ism is admired and the resounding beat
OF the national heart finds responsive
echo.
should be a great outpouring of people
in honor, not Of a man-for we are not
and never should become man worship
ers-but in honor of the country that
produces Washingtons, Lincolns
Grants and Deweys, and heroes and
patriots whose unselfsh devotion to
their native land has neither condition
nor limit Admiral Dewey IS to be hon
oIed to- day by the American people
whether it storms or shines, throughout
the land, as the greatest modern repre-
sentative of our naval arm. He is to be
hcnored not only as a far-seeing, in
trepid and gallant soldier of the sea,
but as discreet, fearless, clear-seeing
and masterful American, whose
achievements without arms have re-
'vealed him as possessed of statesman
like qualities.
In celebrating Dewey Day we not only
In i,,er 70 oct Of o4fr
living naval officers, but we recognize the
patriotism, courage and valor of every
officer associated with him, and every
man serving under him. and whose de-
votion to and love for the man reveal
to us something of his fine character, a
character possessing firmness with af-
dection; relentless ardor with merciful
gentleness; infiexible resolve with hu-
name instinct; pitiless prosecution Of
the foes Of his country, with chivalrous
regard for the defeated and merciful
care of those cast into his hands.
Dewey was not a sudden discovery.
His whole life in the navy has re-
Elected the character that shines so
brightly In the historic sun of to-day
His character has been growth and de-
velopment all the time. The difference
between the George Dewey of yes
terday and to-day, is that of opportun-
dty. May 1. 1898, was born the oppor-
nunity TO bring into highest play all the
dine qualities of the mans character
and to place him upon the topmost
tower of grateful nations esteem. In
honoring Dewey we are honoring an
american type. We are not worshiping
at the feet of a man but commencing
the spirit that teaches our youth the
aove of country and the distinction be-
tween fiatulent shoutings of patriotic
words. and the sterling, unquenchable,
heart-devotion and unselfish but consid-
crate and devout patriotism that makes
every man who appreciates the bless
ings of free government high priest
at the altar of liberty.
We are TO honor the anniversary Of
the battle of Manila Bay because it
was a signal victory in righteousiy
prescott ed cause, a link in the broken
chain stricken from the limbs of en-
shaved Cuba; blow in the cause of
justice and merciful kindness for an
oppressed neighbor, whose piteous
plants have smitten our ears for more
than a half century, and could no lon
ger go UNDECIDED
We celebrate the day for another rea-
son, because it is the anniversary of an
event that was practically new birth
of the nation An event that quickened
the national heart, broadened the ma
tional conception of the destiny and
present duty of the land; that lifted
the American people from the sordid
pursuit Of things merely material into
an atmosphere where there is
breathing of noble things, and higher
aspirations, and looking up to loftier
ideals.
We celebrate an anniversary tnat
speaks to us of our higher duty ana
11obler privilege in the whole scheme OF
civilization. that points US our place
anong the Powers Of earth to whlch