The Goodland republic. [volume] (Goodland, Kan.) 1891-1907, 1899-10-06
A SWORD FOR DEWEY
Gift Of Congress Presented to the
Admiral at Washington.
Tears Came to the Eyes OF the Hero OF the
Sea When the Beautiful TestimO-
Mai WAS Handed Him By the
PreaIdent.

Washington, Oct. A-Ths culmina-
ton of Admiral Dewey's triumphal
homecoming was reached yesterday
in the shadow of the dome of the ma
tional capitol. He received from the
hands Of the president the magnificent
ieweled sword voted by congress in
eOmmemOratiOn Of the victory of the
battle Of Manila bay. This was the
Official reason for the ceremony. But
mere official sanction could never have
thrown into the demonstration the
ferVor Of enthusiasm that was melted
out to the admiral as he appeared be
fore the vast audience. composed not
only Of all of the highest officials in
the land, but Of spectators drawn from
every quarter of the United States.
The battle of Manila bay was not for
gotten, but it might be said to have
been relegated almost to second place
in the desire to do honor to the man
who has proved himself as great after
victory as before it and who has shown
in the long and trying months that
followed his triumph the qualities Of
statesman and a wise administrator as
well as those Of a fighting leader of a
victorious feet.
And enhancing these qualities was
that of manly mOdesty, displayed in
the quiet dignity with which he met
the occasion. This trait Of Dewey's
character was evident from the moment
he reached the stand side by side with
the president. He paused at this point
for a moment, unwilling apparently TO
take the place that had been prepared
for him on the right Of the platform
lest he should appear to usuTp the place
due to the chief magistrate President
Mckinley grasped the situation in an
instant, and taking his great sea cap
tain by the arm, placed him by gentle
force in that chair that had been in
tended for him. Later in the day as
the carriages bearing the official party
drove away from the capitol between
the walls Of cheering people the presi-
dent again displayed his tact by re-
naming covered and ignoring the
demonstration himself, leaving its &C
acknowledgement to the admiral.
For Dewey it was a trying as well as
a triumphal day. It had been given to
few officers in the naval history of the
country TO sit before a crowd Of thou
sands while the chief Of the naval es-
tablishment dilated on their exploits
And then TO stand before the same
crowd and receive at the hands of the
president a sword prepared for him at
the request Of the representatives of
the whole people The strain upon
Admiral Dewey reached almost to the
breaking point None but those near
est to him could see how he labOred to
repress his feelings during the address
I =
to receive the sword from the hands of
the president no one could mistake the
fash of white glOved hand as it rose
to dash away the tears before the adj
miral came to the rigid attitude of at
tentiOn before his chief.
When it became Dewey's turn to
reply his voice failed him and he made
the effort twice before his lips would
respond When he did succeed his
tones were clear and steady, but so
low that only those nearest him could
hear.
President Mckinley in honor of Ad-
miral Dewey last night gave the largest
dinner party in the history of the white
house social functions. Covers were
laid for over so persons The guests
included the cabinet, the governors Of
nine states, justices OF the supreme
court, some Of the members of both
houses of congress, army and navy Off
Gals and others It was a brilliant
affair. An hour before the hour an
nounced a large crowd Of spectators
had gathered in front Of the white
house and watched the arrivals. Ad-
miral Dewey came at eight o'clock and
as he passed inside with Flag Lieut..
Brumby and Flag Secretary Cald-
well, the admiral was enthusiastically
cheered. Rear Admiral Schley was
given a similar ovation.