The record-union., 1899-10-04

will perhaps be due more than to any
thing else to the thoroughness with
which you have already done it's work.
congratulate you on your return
across the sea in full health of mind
and body to receive it here; here in
the national capital; here on these con-
secrated steps where Lincoln stood ;
here standing between the statue of the
first President of the United States and
him who is its living President to-day:
here in this beautiful city, adorned with
the statues of its statesmen and he
roes, the number incomplete until your
own is added; here amidst the throng
of citizens who are only a type of the
millions and millions more who are all
animated by the same spirit of affec-
tionate and grateful welcome 1 can
not doubt that it is one of the proud
est days of your life, and 1 know it is
one of the happiest in the heart of each
one of your fellow countrymen wher-
ever they are, whether on the continent
or on the far off islands of the sea.
Nov, following the authorization of
Congress, present this sword of honor
which l hold in my hand-my hand
rather, let it go to you through the
hand of one who in his youth also per-
lied his life and fought for his coun-
try in battle. and who to-day is the
Commander-in-c n-chief of all our armies
and navies, the President of the
United States
As Secretary Long concluded he
passed the sword to President McKin-
ley. The latter rose and faced the Ad-
nliral. Dewey was visibly affected, and
brushed his gloved hand across his eyes
before standing at attention. The Pres
ident said:
Admiral Dewey, from your entrance
into the harbor of New York with
your gallant crew and valiant ship the
demonstrations which have everywhere
greeted you reveal the public esteem of
your heroic action and the fullness of
love in which you are held by your
country.
"The voice of the nation is lifted in
praise and gratitude for the distin-
gulshed and memorable services you
have rendered the country, and all the
people give you affectionate welcome
nome, In which I join with all my
heart.
Your victory exalted American valor
and extended American authority.
There was no flaw in your victory;
there will be no faltering in maintain.
ing it. (Great applause.)
1T gives me extreme pleasure and
great honor in behalf of all the people
to hand you this sword, the gift of the
nation, voted by the Congress Of the
United States.''
The President handed the Admiral
the sword with a deep bow. and there
was roar Of applause as Dewey re-
ceived 1T. The crowd was hushed as
he turned to reply. He said:
L thank you, Mr.. President, for this
great honor you have conferred upon
me. l thank the Congress for what
1t. has done. | thank the Secretary OF
the Navy for his gracious words. i
thank my countrymen for this beauti-
full gift, which shall be an heirloom in
my family forever, as an evidence that
republics are not ungrateful; and I
thank you, Mr.. Chairman and gentle
men of the committee for the gracious,
cordial and kindly welcome which you
have given me to my home''
The band played the Star Spangled
Banner" and then Cardinal Gibbons
pronounced the benediction
There was the usual hustle and con-
versation as the ceremonies closed, and
then the crowd rearranged itself, a
broad path was cleared across the
plaza, and Admiral Dewey stood up
beside the President to review The
parade.
After Admiral Dewey and the Presi-
dent had left the stand there were loud
calls by the crowd for Schley, and in
response that officer stepped to the
vacant stand and bowed repeatedly to
the people.