Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-10-04

- AAOAAS OA9 "N0
the shadow of the dome of the national
capitol. Here, he received from the
hands of the President, the magnificent
jeweled sword voted to him by Con-
gress in commemmoration of the vic
tory of Manila bay. This was the Off
cial p%rovocation for the ceremony. But
mere official sanction could never have
thrown into the demonstration the fer
vor of enthusiasm that was meted out
to the Admiral as he appeared before
the vast audience, composed not only
of all the highest officials in the land,
but of spectators drawn from every
quarter of the United States. The bat
tie of Manila bay was not forgotten,
but it might be said to have been rele-
gated almost'to second place in the de-
sire to do honor to the man who had
proved himself as great after victory as
before it, and who had shown in the
long trying months that followed his
naval triumph, the qualities of a states
man and a wise administrator as we'll
as those of the fighting leader of a
victorious fleet.
And enhancing these qualities was
that of manly modesty, displayed in
the quiet dignity with which he met
the occasion. This trial of Dewey's
character was evidenced from the mo-
ment he reached the stand side by side
with the President. He paused at this
point for a moment, unwilling appar-
emily to take the place that had been
prepared for him on the right of the
platform lest he should appear to usurp
the place due to the chief magistrate.
President Mckinley grasped the situa-
ton in an instant, and taking his great
sea captain by the arm, placed him by
gentle force in that chair that had been
intended for him. Later in the day, as
the carriages bearing the official party
drove away from the capitol between
walls of cheering people, the President
again displayed his tact by remaining
covered and ignoring the demonstration
himself, leaving its acknowledgement
to the Admiral alone.
For Dewey, it was a trying as we'll
as a triumphal day. 1t has been given
TO few officers in the naval history of
the country to sit before a crowd of
thousands while the chief of the naval
establishment dilated upon their ex-
ploits. and then to stand before the
same crowd to receive at the hands
of the President a sword prepared for
him at the behest of the representa-
tives of the whole people. The strain
upon Admiral Dewey reached almost
10 the breaking point. None but those
nearest to him could see how he la
bored to repress his feelings during
the address of Secretary Long, but
When be arose to receive the sword
from the hands of the President. no
no one could mistake the flash Of the
w~aise-gloved hand as it rose TO dash
away the tears before tie Admiral
came TO the rigid attitude OF attention
before his Chief.
When it became Dewey's turn to re-
ply, his voice failed him. and he made
the effort twice before mis- lips would
respond. When he did succeed. MS
tones were clear and steady, but so
low that only those nearest him could
hear.
There was quite an exquisite bit OF
comedy following the trying formal
ties, though it escaped ali but those d.
rectly on the stand. AS the Admiral
closed and took his seat, he turned 10
the President and in a tone of qulZzf-
cal appeal inquired Now, really
don't you think | did pretty well for
an ameteur?"
One of the most remarkable features
of the eventful day was the ovation to
Rear Admiral Schley on the return of
the party from the capitol to the White
House. His carriage was several num-
bers behind that of the President ard
Admiral Dewey and received an ova-
ton that could be scarcely have rank
ed below that of the Admiral itself.
The tumult grew as the carriage pro-
ceeded down the avenue and the crowd
surged around it till the horses were
brought to a foot pace. Finally a COM
pany of high school cadets came to the
rescue and formed about the carriage
in a hollow square. Thus protected,
and fanked by a force of police, the
carriage reached the White House with
a long gap between it and the next
official guests.
WASHINGTON, October 3.-The
start from Mrs. McLean's residence
was made promptly at 10 o'clck. When
the Admiral appeared resplendant in
heavy epaulettes and gold lace, the
great throng that had assembled in the
adjacent streets and in Farragut square
broke out into a long and loud burst
Of applause. Accompanied by an escort
of police and committeeman and head
ed by the marine band, the Admiral was
driven to the White House through
cheering crowds. Reaching the portico
Admiral Dewey quickly aiighted and
was sho-vn into the east room, where
he met the President and members OF
the cabinet. Only a few minutes elaps-
4d befnrH the Admiral annearpd with