Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-10-05
NATIONS GIFT TO DEWEY
Presentation to the Admiral of the
Sword Voted Him by Congress.
A BEAUTIFUL SPECIMEN OF WORK
Thousands Enjoy the interest
ing Ceremony.
PRESENTATION BY SECRETARY LONG

Washington, Oct. 8. The great feature
OF today's Dewey programme was the
presentation to the Admiral OF the
sword voted to him by Congress. The
ceremony took place at the east front
OF the Capitol and was viewed by
great concourse of people. President
Mckinley and other dignitaries occu-
pied places on the stand.
a BEAUTIFUL err.
Tho sword, except its steel blade and
tho body metal of its scabbard is entire
Of % carat gold. On the pommel is
carved the name Of the hattleship
Olympia, which was Dewey's flagship
at Manila, and the zodiacal sign for
December, ID which lucky month Dewey
was born. Circling these is closely
woven wreath Of oak leaves, long ON
ployed to indicate and adorn rank. II
Below these the pommel is embraced
by gold collar, on the front Of which
are the arms of the United States, with
the blue field Of the shield in enamel.
Below them are tho arms of Vermont,
Dewey's native State, with the motto
Freedom and Unity and the colors
of the shield in enamel. The plain
part Of the gold collar is decorated with
stars, and q graceful finish is given to
it by narrow band of oak leaves. Tho
sword blade is damascened with the
inscription: 1.-The gift of the Nation
to Admiral George Dewey, U. s. N,
in memory of the victory at Manila
Bay, May 1st, 1898"
| The sword grip is covered with fine,
sharkskin, bound with gold wire and
inlaid with gold stars.
TIN 0iinrd ia an aauIa farm, ;nnffne,
in d claw, which grasps the top in
which the blade is set; the eagles out
stretched wings form the guard proper.
| The scabbard is of thin steel,
damascened in gold, with sprays of
| delicate seaplant, the ros marinius,
typical Of fidelity, constancy and re-
membrance. These sprays are inter-
laced; stars fill the inner spaces,
dolphins the outer spaces.
Sprays Of oak leaves and acorns so.
cure the rings and trappings Of the scab-
bard; above these on the front of tho
scabbard, is raised monogram in
diamonds entwining the letters &c. d. ("
And Immediately under them are the
letters ~. s. NJ surrounded by
sprays of the seaplant.
| Tho ferule or lower end of the scabbard
terminates in entwined gold dolphins.
The sword box Is of while oak inlaid
with black velvet and at the centre OF
the cover has gold shield surmounted
by an eagle and inscribed with single
star and the words Rear Admiral
George Dewey, u. S. NJ"
The presentation speech was made
by Secretary of the Navy Long, who,
| in opening, said:
| my dear Admiral: Let me read a
| fauu IL,
/ spondence, covering less than fort
nights time now known the world over !:
Washington, April "a, 1898 Dewey,
Hongkone: War has commenced be-
tween the United States md Spain.
Proceed at once to Philippine Islands
Begin operations at once. Particularly
against the Spanish fleet. You must
capture vessels or destroy. Use utmost
endeavors. Long,
"Nlanila, May j, Secretary Of
the Navy, Washington The squadron
arrived at Manila at daybreak this
morning. Immediately engaged enemy
and destroyed the following vessels
This squadron is uniniured.
Few men we're slightly wounded.
Dewey" q
May 4.-Sccretary OF the Navy,
Washington: have taken possession Of
the naval station Philippine Islands. |
control bay completely and can take
city at any time. The squadron in ex-
cellent health and spirits. | am assist
ing and protecting Spanish sick and
wounded Dewey"
Washington, May I, 1898. Dewey :
The President, in the name Of the
American people, thanks you and your
officers and mon for your splendid
achievement and Overwhelming victory.
In recognition, he has appointed you
acting rear admiral, and will recon
mend vote Of thanks TO you by Con-
gress as recommendation for further
. promotion.n Ff
n Then the secretary followed with the
formal address of presentation.