The times., 1899-02-24
FATHER cHIDWIcK's LECTURE.
The Mainc's Fntc Described by Its
Former Chaplain.

Former Chaplain.
A notable gathering crowded the Lafay-
ette yesterday afternoon to hear the Rev.
Father Chadwick. former Chaplain of the
ill-fated Maine, recite the tragic incidents
connected with the destruction OF the bat
tleship in Havana Harbor on the night of
February Is, 1898. The President and Mrs.
Mckinley. accompanied by Mrs. Roard-
man, of Massachusetts. Mrs. Brooks, OF
Pittsburg. Mrs. Rand wife of Paymaster
Rand. and General Corbin and Capt.
Charles McCauley, occupied seats in the
orchestra to the left of the stage. On their
right were seated James Cardinal Gibbons
and Monsignor Martineiii. surrounded by
several distinguished dignitaries of the
Roman Catholic Church. Secretary Long
occupied a box, as did also Mrs. Aiger.
Mrs Sigsbee. Mrs. Russell Selfrdge, and
Mrs Westinghouse.
In the audience were seen many depart
ment officials. members of the Diplomatic
Corps. Senators, Congressman, and officers
of the army and navy. In the front bal
cony seats were thirty or more sailors and
marines from the navy yard. who dis
played their enthusiasm by repeated
cheers. first for the flag and then for the
sion that passed almost unnoticed in the
front part of the house. but which aroused
considerable enthusiasm among those wLo
occupied standing room. was a suggestion
of three cheers for Admiral Schley, which
were given with will.
The decorations were elaborate and ap-
propriate. The interior of the building was
draped with the national colors, and the
balconies were festooned with streamers of
the speaker the Marine Band, in full dress
uniform, was seated and on either side was
a beautiful display of palms and potted
plants.
Secretary Long introduced the speaker
and paid graceful tribute to the devotion
| and heroism displayed by Father Chidwick
during the memorable incidents connect
ed with the destruction of the Maine. Mr..
Long took occasion to say that no sailors
in the world equaled the American type,
and that those of the Names crew who
perished without warning were just as
much heroes as their brothers who fell
amid the smoke of battle.
Father Chidwick was enthusiastically re-
ceiyed, and after expressing pleasure at ap-
pearing before such distinguished audi
ence, he entered upon a patriotic discus
sion of the late war, its inspiration. and
achievements. The tragedy of the Maine
had recorded the opening chapter in the
history of an eventful year. to which the
destruction of Cervera's fleet was a fitting
climax
The speaker then recited the conditions
existing in Cuba before the war and the oc-
casion of sending the Maine to Havana He
depicted in graphic detail the excitement
Of the night on which the Maine received
the following signal message from the flag
ship of her squadron:
Maine. prepare to get under way in two
hours; commanding officer report on flag
ship"
Father Chidwick described the trip TO
Havana and the conflicting opinions of the
crew over their probable reception. Con-
tinuing he related the incidents surround
Ing the reception of the vessel in Havana
Harbor and the days preceding the disas-
ter.
The speakers description OF the men,
orab!e night of February Is, 1888 was
powerful and thrilling He told how all
the men were asleep; how the officers had
gathered in the cabin to discuss the Cuban
situation, all unaware of the awful danger
that threatened them, and then the ex-
plo5ion, described in vivid detail. Father
Chadwick said that the statement that
the officers of the vessel were absent at
the time was untrue. They were all pres
ent with the exception of certain officers
of the junior grade.
The speaker then discussed the results
of the war, and declared that the President
was now pursuing the policy intended by
God He eulogized American yalor and did
not forget the women. In conclusion he
said that the war had done more for the
unification of the North and South than
years of peace. The victors were referred
to. and when the name of Schley was
mentioned. the audience yielded to burst
of enthusiasm.
The patronesses of the occasion were
Mrs. Justice McKenna. Mrs. Murphy, Mrs
Carter, Mrs Haywood, Mrs. Mosher. Mrs
Franklin, Mrs. Emory, Mrs ]. a. Bing-
ham, Nine. de Grandprey, Mrs. Rand, Mrs
Sheridan. Miss Patten, Miss Long. Mrs
Allen. Mrs. Crowninshield, Mrs. Glover
Mrs. r. d. Evans. Mrs. SIgsbee, Mrs. A
S. Barker. Mrs. O'Neill, Mrs. Van Rey-
pen, Mrs Wells. Mrs. Thomas E. Wagga.
man. Mrs Preston Sands. and Mrs. Bayne