New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-05-30
HONORS TO DEWEY.
LET THE TRIBUTES TO HIM NOT BE SUCH
AS TO BELITTLE HIM.
L. f. cHIrTTNDEN. FORMER REGISTER OF THE
TREASURY. PROTESTS AGAINST THE HUN
pRED- DOLLAR DINNER AND THE
PLAN TO PURCHASE WASH
rNGToN HOUSE


INGToN HOUSE
To the Editor OF The Tribune.
STR: The good fortune which has attended Admiral
Dewey al every step Of his career in the East gives
no sign OF leaving him his return voyage TO
his own country. He has inscribed his name upon
the pages Of naval history higher than that Of any
officer who has preceded him. he has gathered the
fruits of his conquests with a Judgment which has
surprised the most experienced statesmen and naval
authorities and he has been ordered home to enjoy
the repose which he has earned by his able and
brilliant service. Never before has the home-com-
ing OF a conqueror on land sea been celebrated
by an acclaim so universal and so intense that
which will greet Admiral Dewey when the Olympia
drops her anchor in the harbor OF New-York
since the people have had an opportunity to be
heard. there has been doubt that the city and
State Of New-York and the Nation will exhaust
their combined resources in a supreme effort to
make his reception worthy Of the Admiral and
the occasion That National State and municipal
officers will be justified in contributing literally
its expenses from the public moneys under their
control. all Will agree. The occasion will be a Ma
tional one, and Admiral Dewey has honored the
Nation as we'll by his success in his civil admin
istration by his naval victories. No one there
fore. reasonably object II the Nation bears
the whole expense Of his public reception.
TWO METHODS PROPOSED.
But there are some worthy citizens who believe
that the chief end of is the accumulation OF
wealth. and that without wealth there can be no
genuine happiness. These gentlemen propose to
celebrate the return OF the victorious Admiral by
presenting 10 him a palatial home in the city of
Washington. with money enough permanently to
maintain II and enable him 20 spend the remainder
OF his life in luxurious repose. They propose two
methods OF raising the necessary money. One Is by
unlimited subscription Of the wealthy. whose
fortunes permit them to make large contributions
without inconvenience to themselves or any appre-
ciable sacrifice And there some who are not
wealthy. but who would like TO have some part in
any movement honor such a National hero, n
other proposal is made for subscription limited
10 sums of 81. IN which Il is said that all may
unite equal terms We do not understand that
Admiral Dewey has been consulted either of
these or any other way Of raising money for his
beneht by a popular subscription. Those who have
volunteered to take charge Of his finances appear
10 have assumed that his views Of the relative
value Of money TO other forms Of wealth were
Identical with their own and that he could not fail
20 be pleased with any arrangement which pro-
vided for his financial independence.
Neither Of these projects has been received with
the popular enthusiasm which their promoters an
tcipated. So far the subscriptions have been few
IN number and small in amount. Instead Of awak-
ening enthusiasm and promising success. they
promise failure Nor is this failure to be regretted
II speaks trumpet-tongue for the solid common
sense of the Admiral and his countrymen. For, the
one thing which the American people do not want
he would be most unwilling TO consent, is that he
should ever become National charge Of any de-
scription, he would be II he consented 10 &C
cept charitable contributions. however disguised or
supported by precedents from other countries.
have no right 20 speak for Admiral Dewey be-
yond that Of every Vermonter familiar from boy
hood with the history of his family and with his
own career. I do not believe that he has any use
for a residence in Washington. that he wishes to
have any appeal In his behalf made TO a patriotic
would be scarcely proper for him decline any gift
until It is offered. but If money contribution ever
should be rendered 10 him for his benefit. his
friends do not believe that it would be accepted.
SOME DEWEY HISTORY.
Since Admiral Dewey cannot yet answer for him
self as to his views of the appeal made in his be-
half we must look to the history Of his family and
10 mis- career.
The Dewevs are a typical Vermont family. The
Admirars father was a country doctor Of
those whose lives benefaction - their COM
ynunities. DR.. Dewey was more than profession
al man. he taught the Vermonters the principles OF
economical insurance. and thereby increased their
thrift and economy. He organized the National Life
Insurance Company the first life-insurance COM
pany established in Vermont; he was for many
years its president and left it when he died in
the presidency OF his son. the Admirars elder
brother with the reputation Of being the most eco
nomical and yet one Of the safest me-insurance
companies in existence Admiral George Dewey
was trained from boyhood In a family controlled
by the rules OF strictest economy. His views or
the public service taken from the first Con-
stitution Of Vermont. which is 10 this day a part
Of the fundamental law Of that State. It was
adopted on July 2 IN. almost within me hearIng
OF the cannon Of Burgoynes invasion, IL declared
that there be no necessity for nor use In es-
taoishng offices of profit; the usual erects OF
%Ilcn are tSp rosseesors or exnectants faction
contention corruption and disorder among the peo-
prejudice of his private affairs he has right 10
reasonable compensation; and whenever an once,
through increase Of fees or otherwise, becomes SO
profitable 10 occasion many 10 apply for H. me
profits ought to be essened by the Legis az. e.
For more than hundred years under THIS Con-
sttuton Vermont has without difficulty main
practically unknown 10 her history. And there is
. o Of seods at e end Te Of @ Of OFF
fee than he had when that term began. ,o,,.,
and his work there is finished His term Of SER
vice on the sea has had d nd b. sereS o. and he
will return 10 his native land TO live and die
ova 1e NOT bv q the welcome OF all his
countryrnen but by self-apponted committee Of
plutocrats at an opera-house carousal for 800
erous rate for the honors he has won in the ser
10 y A Al thousand i times NO Better that the
Olympia and her great Admiral with unclouded re.-
that he should become he servant Of any maste
rich or poor HIS fame IS the properly Of his coun
try and It Is for sale The interest OF the most
uihHpOrtdnt American IN X couid not De
the successors Of the great tempter were able 70
ofer in exchange for II all the Kingdoms OF the
world and the glory Of them.
THE QUESTION OF PRECEDENTs.
am aware that those who propose TO present
Admiral Dewey with money may hnd in Great
Britain and other countries presidents for their
action But we have Blenhem Castle or Apsley
House 10 give 10 Admiral and II we had our
Republic is now strong enough 10 provide its own
precedents. The occasion is unique and our action
should be equally independent 49,
There Is only appropriate conclusion possible
10 Admiral Dewoys career. II is that ne shouiu
retire 70 his native town Of Montpelier, beautifully
situated among the green mountains OF Vermont.