Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-04-28

THEY SPEAK At A GRANT BIRTH
nay BANQUET IN PITrsBURG.
THg ADMIRAL EULOGIzES The NAVY.
Again Says He Wants to
Go 10 the Philippines-thnt "There
Are Several Good Fights I'm Him
YETI

PITTSBURG, Pa, April G.-Politics
gave way TO patriotism at the annual
banquet at the Americas Republican Club
in honor OF the birthday of General
Grant tonight, and instead OF the pres
ence OF such prominent Republicans
among the speakers as Mckinley. Harri-
son, Reed, and Sherman, the army and
navy had the call, and the guests OF
honor were General Joseph Wheeler and
Admiral Winfield Schley.
The dinner was held at the Hotel Shent-
ley, and in many respects was the most
successful ever given by the club. Covers
were laid for 365. and had there been
room. probably twice this number of
tickets would have been sold. Preceding
the dinner, the distinguished guests held
a reception, which lasted more than an
hour. and it was long after the time fix
ed for the banquet when the guests filed
into the banquet hall to the inspiring
strains of the stars and Stripes" Hon.
G. MCGEE was the chairman at the dim
ner table. and Clarence Burleigh, City
Attorney, was POSTMASTER.
MajOr-General Wheeler responded TO the
toast Grant" in eulogy of the famous
Federal commander and President Of the
United States.
Rear-Admiral Schley, replying TO "our
Navy" said:
SCHLEY on THE NAVY.
1.-THE war history of our navy is ia
miliar to you all, and no words L could
add Of its dash or daring in the recent
struggle would seem necessary. The
names OF its great captains will live i'm
perishably in the affections of our people,
for whom they wrought and fought
1.-THE names Of Jones and SOmers, and
Decatur and Hull, and Perry and Nc
Donough, and Farragut and Foote, of
Porter and Cushing, and Bagley and
Dewey will last always. and with in
creasing admiration, long after the living
implements which gave their lives express
sion shall have fallen away into dust.
Their thrillngly heroic exploits will be
read always with increasing heart-beats,
and with reVerential admiration for their
devotion TO the cause of the republic.
81 do not recall i'm history that a ma
ton ever before declared war upon an
other and the day following blockaded
the enemy's ports. Such was the cond-
ton of readiness in our navy that this
was possible in the late war, and the les
son it impresses ought not TO be forgot
decisive, can only be made so by prepara-
ton in times of peace. so that when it
must be undertaken il can only end with
honor and dignity 10 the nation.
Il rejoice with you all in the prestige
that has come to our country through
the valiant deeds of her sons, and no
doubt l voice the sentiments Of every one
when l express the hope that peace and
happiness may abide always with our
blessed country"
The other speakers were Colonel Alex
ander K. Mcclure, on Patriotism" and
General Willis Rulings, on our Army"
WHEELER ASSIGNED TO TEXAS?
During the afternoon General Wheeler
was asked if the report was true that he
had been assigned To the Department OF
Texas. IT hope not" he replied, II want
to so to the Philippines. There are seye-
raj good fights left in me yet, and / think
/ could serve my country to the best add
vantage in active service in the field. l
have not given up hope of being sent TO
Manila. Have you any news from Law
tOu?"
The General was shown the headings
i'm a newspaper, and chuckled when he
read that the Americans had just gained
"a sigma. victory over the Filpinos. The
General said. ne rad great faith in the
volunteers in the East.
An attempt was made TO get an express
sion from Admiral Schley on the Admiral
Kautz letter. but he simply waved the
question aside with a smile.
General Wheeler was accompanied 10
by his daughters.
The distinguished party will return to
Washington tomorrow, except General
who goes West.