The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1899-10-11
DEWEY ACCEPTS
THE SWORD.
Gift of the Nation Presented to the
Hero Who Won in Manila Bay.
WHAT He CONQUERED THE
PEOPLE WILL HOLD.

PEOPLE WILL HOLD.
The magnificent sword awarded by
Congress was Tuesday bestowed upon
Admiral Dewey in the presence Of the
President, the members of Congress
and Judiciary, the highest officer of the
army and navy and vast crowd of
the plain people. The scene of the
presentation was under the shadow Of
the dome of the great white Capitol,
spot filled with memories ofOther state
ly ceremonies.
SECRETARY LONGS ADDRESS.
Secretary Long began his address by
reading his cable dispatch of April "a,
1898, to Dewey at Hong Kong, saying:
"War has commenced between the
United States and Spain. Proceed at
once to Philippine Islands. Begin op-
erations at once, particularly against
the Spanish feet. You must capture
vessels or destroy. Use utmost en-
deavors."
Mr.. Long then read Dewey's dispatch
of May l, 1898, as follows: "The squad
ron arrived at Manila at daybreak this
morning. Immediately engaged enemy
and destroyed the following vessels
The squadron is uninjured. Few men
were slightly wounded"
Next Mr.. Long read Dewey's dis
patch of May 4: al have taken pos
session of the naval station Philippine
Islands. Ieontrol bay completely, and
can take city at any time. The squad
ron in excellent health and spirits.
am assisting and protecting Spanish
sick and wounded"
Mr.. Long then read this dispatch Of
May to Dewey: ''Fhe President, in
the name of the American people,
thanks you and your officers and men
for your splendid achievements and
overwhelming victory. In recognition
he has appointed you acting rear ad-
miral, and will recommend a vote Of
thanks to you by Congress as founda-
ton for further promotion"
VIVID "REMINISCENCES.
Mr.. Long went on TO say:
ain those few words, what volume
of history; what a record of swift, high,
heroic discharge of duty! You went;
you saw; you conquered. 1t seems but
yesterday that the Republic, full Of
anxiety, strained its listening ear TO
catch the first word from those distant
islands of the sea. 1t came flashing
over the wires that May morning, as
the sun burst through the clouds, and
filled every heart with the Illumination
Of its good cheer. In the twinkle of an
eye, your name was on every lip; the
blessing of every American was on
your head, and your country strobe in
stantly forward a mighuer power
among the nations of the world. As
we welcome you back there comes back
also the vivid picture of that time,
with all its hopes and fears and with
all its swift succeeding triumph and
glory
Mr.. Long read the act Of Congress of
June 2, 1898, ordering the sword for
Dewey and the medals for the officers
and men of his feet, and appropriating
$4,000 for this purpose. Mr.. Long
continued:
''The luster of the American navy
was glorioulys bright before, and you
have added to it a new luster. It's
constellation of stars was glorious be-
fore and, you have added to it another
star Of the first magnitude. And yet,
many of your grateful cOuntrymen feel
that, in the time TO come, it may be
your still greater honor that you struck
the first blow under the providence of
God in the enfranchisement of those
beautiful islands which make the great
empire of the sea; in relieving them
from the bondage and oppression of
centuries and in putting them on their
way, under the protecting shield of
your country's guidance, to take their
place in the civilization, the arts, the
industries, the liberties and all the good
things OF the mo enlightened and
happy nations of the world, 50 that
generations hence your name shall be
to them household word, enshrined
in their history and in their hearts.
REGENERATION FOR THEPHILIPPINEs.
"Clouds and darkness may linger
about them now, but the shining out
come is as sure as the rising Of the sun.
Whatever the passing tribulatiOns and
difficulties Of the present moment, they
will, in due time, soon and surely give
way to the dawn of glorious new day
"a day not of any mere selfish imperial
dominion of one people over another,
but of the imperial moral and physical
growth and expansion of all the peo-
Piles, whatever their race or language
or color, who have come uAder the
shelter of the broad shield of the United
States Of America.
HBy authorizing the presentation of
this sword to you rs the mark Of its APP
proval, your country has recognized 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 own
growth and of the empire that is now
her charge. 1t is a new demand upon
all the resources Of her conscience, wis
dom and courage. 1t is work in the
speedy and benificent contamination
of which she is entitled to the cordial
help, sympathy and uplift Of all her
citizens, not the faint-hearted doubts
and teasing cavils Of any of them 1t
is a work on which she has entered in
the interest Of early peace in those new
lands, their stable government, the es-
Enlistment in them Of law and order,
the security of life and property, and
the American standards Of prosperity
and hope. Let those who fear remem-
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