The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-10-04
Emotion.


Washington, Oct. 3.-The elimination
of Admiral Dewey's triumphal home
coming was reached today i'm the shadow
of the dome of the National Capitol
Here he received from the hands of the
President the magnificent jeweled sword
voted him by Congress in commemora-
tion of the victory of Manila Bay This
was the official provocatim for the cere
mOny. But mere official sanction could
never have thrown into the demonstra-
tl0n the fervor of enthusiasm that was
meted out to the great Admiral as he
appeared before the vast audience that
was composed not only of all the highest
officials in the land, but OF spectators
drawn from every quarter of the United
States. The battle of Manila Bay was
not forgotten, but it might De said 10
have been relegated almost to second
place i'm the desire to do honor To the
man who has proved himself rs great
after victory as before it and who has
shown in the long and trying months
that have followed his naval triumph the
qualities of q statesman and a wise ad-
ministrator as well as those of the flag
ship deader of victefious fleet And
enhancing these qualities was tina. Of
manly modesty, displayed i'm the quiet
dignity with which he met the occa-
sion.
This trait of Dewey's character was
demonstrated from the moment he reach
ed the stand side by side with the Presi-
dent. He paused at this point for
moment unwilling apparently 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 President President Mckinley
grasped fine situation in an instant an.
taking this great sea captain by the
arm placed him by gentle force in The
chair that had been intended for him.
Later in the day as the carriages hear
ing the official drove away from the
Capitol between walls of cheering peo-
pie the President again displayed his
tact by remaining covered and ignoring
the demonstration himself, leaving his
acknowledgement to the Admiral alone.
1NOr Dewey it was n trying as well
as triumphal day 1t has been given,
to few officers lin the naval history Of
the country to sit before crow;l Of
establishment dilated upon their en-
ploits and then to stand before the same
crowd to receive at the hands of the
President sword prepared for him nj
the behest Of the representatives of the
whole people. The strain upon Admiral
Dewey reached almost to the breaking
point None but those nearest to him
could see how he labored to repress his
A. III .1sFf 49,
Long. but when he arose TO receive the
sword from the hands of the President
no one could mistake the flash Of The
white gloved hand as lit rose to dash
away the tears before the Admiral came
TO the rigid attitude Of attention 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 re-
spond. When he did succeed his tones
were clear and steady, but so low that
only those nearest him could hear.
There was quiet but exquisite BIT
of comedy following the trying fernlali-
ties that escaped an but those directly
ON the stand. As the Admiral closed
and took his seat, he turned 70 the
President and in a tone of quzzical ap-
peal inquired, '.Now. really, don't You
think did pretty well for an amateur
Secretary Long embraced an oppor-
tunity to ease the trying situation for
the chief actor during the ceremonies.
When the Secretary began his address
the sun was shining directly III Admiral
Dewey's eyes, and without his hat he
was at its mercy. The Secretary quiet
ly inserted in his address a low aside
admiral, turn your chair a little, we
don't want TO have you blind"
One of the most remarkable features
of the eyentful 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 and
Admiral Dewey, and he received an
ovation that could scarcely be ranked
below that accorded to the Admiral
himself. The tumult grew as the car
riage proceeded down the avenue, and
the crowd surged around it till the
horses were brought to foot pace.
Finally company of the High School
cadets came to the rescue and formed
about the carriage in a hollow square.