The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-05-07
CAPT. ...COGHLAN'S SPEECH
ALL THE RALEIGH DELEGATION
PRESENT E@
Mr.. R. N. slMMs' sPEEcH0F ACCEPTANCE
Elegant Dinner to the Officers Of the Raleigh
The Home Of Vice Consul Sp;unt. Re-
ception at Cape Fear

Club.
Wilmington, n. c., May 6.-(Spe-
al.)--The week just closed has been
marked by notable event in the his
tory of North Carolina.
The United States cruiser Raleigh,
the first ship of Admiral Dewey's
squadron to come home since the
memorable victory of May 1st~ Ma
Mia Bay, has visited our waters and
received a thoroughly patriotic wei
come.
Since her arrival at the mouth OF
the Cape ear thousands have visited
her. The pleasure boats and eNclil-
sion steamers have been taxed to the
utmost with crowds eager to see the
cruiser, her officers, marines, blue
jackets and guns. The weather has
been cloudy, sometimes it even driz-
zled, but the Tar He'll greeting ac-
corded the cruiser had about it a sin
cerity that no rain could dampen.
"A fine signI she makes riding at
anchor off southport, looking grim
in her coat IF fighting gray. Above
her floats Il rec battle flags. These
three flags were the same she hoist
ed that smoke-blown day in Manila
Harbor when Montoio's Spanish fleet
was. shot to pieces by Dewey's ships.
Sunday being a day OF rest the
crowds of. visitors will be greater even
than on the day of the Raleigh's ar
rival. Every foatable vessel in the
harbor will be called into requisition
by the excursionists and from morn
till night visitors will throng the
decks of the cruiser.
Monday morning the ship will
again get ready for sea. At 3 O'clclK.
unless the present plans are changed,
she will leave for Charleston, s. c.,
to participate in the annual reunion
of Confederate Veterans.
From there she will go to Ports
mouth Navy Yard, where she will re-
main until she goes out OF commits
sion on June 1st.
PRESENTATION OF GUN.
The events of interest here today
touching the cruiser We're recep-
ton last night by the Cape Fear
Club. an elegant dinner complimentary
to the officers of the Raleigh at the resi-
dence of Mr.. James Sprunt, British Vice
Consul. and formal presentation Of the
Spanish gun given to the city of Raj
eigh. This presentation took place
this morning at 10 o'clock in the Or
ton House parlors. Those present
were Capt. Coghlan and his officers,
Mayor Powell and the Raleigh dele
cation and a number of interested
visitors.
The speech of presentation was
made by Capt. Coghlan and the
speech of acceptance by Mr.. X. \.
Simms, of the Raleigh Bar, who spoke
for the Mayor. Both speeches Were
brief. to the point, and most fellcl-
tous in expression and sentiment.
II take this occasion, gentlemen, OF
formally presenting TO you here III the
presence Of my fellow officers a gun
recovered from the Spanish cruiser Rcina
Christina. In doing so, we do not clam
that we took any more part than the c,ner
vessels of the American squadron III
the destruction of the flagship of the
Spanish fleet.
Raleigh is an inland city, and The
cruiser bearing her name can never WISH
her people. 1t is for this reason that
we present this gift. We desire that the
city may know that all on board always
had in mind that fair city with whose
name she has been honored. Hence the
trophy.
1--WE hope you will accept it N the
spirit in which it is given; not from
its intrinsic value, but as an expression
Of love and esteem of the officers and
crew for the people of the city that gave
the cruiser her name.
Replying in behalf of the mayor fol
the citizens Of Raleigh, Mr.. Simms said
..Gentlemen: To me has been dele
gated the honor of receiving this trophy
at your hands. In behalf, therefore, OF
the mayor and the citizens of Raleigh
| accept it and tender to you our
thanks 1t is fitting token to come
from you to us. 1t is the appropriate
trophy for those who bear North Caro-
lina's capitals name to bring back to
North Cardinals soil. 1t is well that
YOU come bearing the spoils of victory
for North Carolina, like Roman mothe;
desires to see her sons return with their
shields on upon them. If we commend
Ayou for your bravery it is the commenda
m of a warlike people. North Caro-
Ayas first in the Revolution at Ala
and Mecklenburg, first in the
FAR at Bethel, first in the Spanish
nnnIenas; and now to this list OF
Gns she adds the proud hon
been the first at Manila