The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-10-04
tecting shield of your country,s

the protecting shield of your country's
Whatever the passing tribuations and
will in due time. soon and surely give
way to the dawn Of a glorious new day
"a day not of any mere selfish imperial
OF moral and physical growth and ex-
pansion of all the peoples. of whatever
their race or language or color. who
have come under the shelter of the broad
shield OF the United States of America.
BY authorizing the presentation of this
sword to you as the mark of It's approval
your country has recognized therefore
not only the great rich fruits which. even
before returning from your victory. YOU
have poured into her lap, but also her
own responsibility to discharge the great
trust which is thus put upon her and
fulfill the destiny of her growth and of
the empire that is now her charge.
As Secretary Long concluded, he passed
the sword to President Mckinley.
SWORD PRESENTED.
The latter rose and faced the admiral.
Dewey was visibly affected and brushed
his gloved hands across his eyes before
standing at attention. The president
said:
to the harbor of New York, with your
crew and gallant ship, the demonstrations
which have everywhere greeted you re-
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 distinguished
and memorable services you have rem
dered to the country and all the people
give you an affectionate welcome home,
in which | 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 maintaining it. Great ap-
plause.) 1t gives me extreme pleasure
and great honor, in behalf of all the peo-
pie, to hand you this sword, the gift of
the nation, voted by the congress of the
United States.
ADMIRAL'S REPLY.
The president handed the admiral the
sword with deep bow, and there was a
roar Of applause as Dewey received it.
The crowd was hushed as he turned to
reply. Admiral Dewey said:
81 thank you, Mr. President, for this
great honor you have conferred upon me-
| thank the congress for what it has done.
| thank The secretary of the navy for his
gracious words. l thank my countrymen
for their beautiful gift, which shall be an
Heirloom in my family forever as an evil
de1ce that republics are not ungrateful;
bers of the committee, for the gracious,
cordial and kindly welcome you have
given me to my home
The band played the "Star-Spangled
Banner and then Cardinal Gibbons pro-
ncunced the benediction.
The sword, except it's steel blade and
the body metal of its scabbard, is en-
tirely of 22-carat gold. On the pommel
is carved the name of the battleship
Olympia, which was Dewey's flagship at
Manila, and the zodiacal sign for Decem-
Der, in which lucky month Dewey was
born. Circling these is a closely-woven
wreath of oak leaves, long employed to
indicate and adorn rank. Below these
the pommel is embraced by a gold col
lar, on the front of which are the arms
of the United States, with the blue field
of the shield in enamel. Below them are
the arms of Vermont, Dewey's native
state, with the motto