Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1899-10-06

ton. From the flag-decorated stand,
the crowd below presented a picture of
an immense field of faces turned up
toward the shining white pile of the
Capitol. Seats were provided on the
grand stand, stretching between the
buttresses Of the east portico. Here it
was that the most brilliant ~coloring
was laid on the great living picture as
the gold and blue of uniforms and the
brighter garb of the diplomatic corps
drifted in.
Then came the solid mass of the
naval officials, headed by Admirals
Sampson and Crowninshield. There
were a few scattering cheers, but no de-
cided demonstration until Dewey an.
peared.
1t was before this vast assemblage,
amid a profound hush, that Admiral
George Dewey received from the hands
Of its chief executive, the sword a ma
ton gave him. The focus of thousands
of eyes, the central figure of q magnif.
cent tableaux, he stood with military
e%rectness, at attention., and listened to
the eloquent tributes paid him by the
president and naval chief, speaking
from the hearts of the people. AS bright
q sun as that which brilliantly shone
on that May day, a cleaning sun, the
crash of brass, flags waved in a glorious
sea of color-and the most picturesque
ceremony Of the nations capital has
ever seen, ended.
h Presentation Ceremony.
-.
Just as the sun reached the meridian
q gun doomed in the direction
of the river, the Marine band with
q flourish struck into the strains of
''Hail to the Chief" and the procession
moved slowly down the steps to the
stand.
The crowd cl,eered long as the party
took their seats, Admiral Dewey rising
with bare head to respond to the ova.
ton. A colored servant in livery threw
q naval cloak over the admiral's shout.
ders as he took his seat. Prayer was
offered by Rev. DR.. Bristol, President
McKinley's pastor.
Ross Perry then made the introduc.
tory address, which was Justify
cheered. He ended by introducing
Secretary Long, who was received with
enthusiasm and, standing bareheaded
in the sunshine, addressed his remarks
directly to Dewey, who remained bare.
headed and seated. The speech was
received with cheers. 4
The P~residont's Words.
As Secretary Long concluded he
passed the sword to President McKin.
ley. the latter rose and faced the ad.
miral. Dewey was visibly affected and
brushed his gloved hands across his
eyes before standing at attention.
The president said:
"Admiral Dewey: From your en-
trance in the harbor of New York, with
your gallant crew and valiant ship, the
demonstrations which everywhere have
greeted you, reveal the public esteem
Of your heroic 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 distin.
guished and memorable services you
have rendered the country and all the
people give you affectionate welcome
In which we all join heartily.
Your victory exalted American
valor and extended American authority.
There was no flaw in your victory;
there will be no faltering in maintain
ing it. (Great Applause.l t<h
lit gives me extreme pleasure ana
great honor on behalf Of all the people
to hand you this sword, the gift Of the
nation, voted by the congress Of the
United States" d
The AdmiralS Reply.
The president handed the admiral the
sword with a deep bow, and there was
q roar of applause as Dewey received it.
The crowd vas hushed as he turned to
the s%president. Admiral Dewey said:
II thank You, Mr.. President, for this
great honor you have conferred upon
me- Kthankgthe congress ,forsSwhat it
has done. Tsthanks the secretary of the
navy for his gracious words. I thank