Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1899-10-10
THE NATIONS GUEST.
Admiral Dewey Received by Pres
ident Mckinley.
GIVEN A FINE SWORD.
Presentation Speech Delivered by
John ID. Long, Secretary of the Navy,
the Capitol Steps.

Washington, D. c., Oct. 3.-The mag
nihcent sword awarded by act of Con-
gress to Admiral Dewey was presented
to him in the presence of the President,
the members of the cabinet and the jul
dietary, the high officers of the army and
navy, and vast crowd of the plain peo-
pie In strong contrast with ali of the
ceremonies that have taken place since
Admiral Dewey reached the shores of
his native land, today's function was
severely official in character
The scene of the presentation was ap-
propriately located under the shadow of
the great white capitol of the national
spot filled with memories of other stately
ceremonies. The escort which marched
III line with the admiral was made up
entirely of soldiers and sailors
A gun sounded in the direction Of the
river Just as the sun reached the merid
ian. There was a flourish from the Ma
rlne band as the head of the procession
reached the edge of the portico. The
band struck into the Soul-moving strains
Of Hail to the Chief" as the process
sion moved slowly down the steps to the
stand.
The crowd cheered long as the party
took their seats, Admiral Dewey rising
with bare head to respond to the ovation.
A colored servant in livery threw a ma
val cloak over the admiraPs shoulders
as he took his seat. Prayer was offered
by Rev. DR.. Bristol, President McKin
ley's pastor.
Ross Perry then made the Introductory
address which was Justify cheered
He ended by introducing Secretary
Long who was received with great enthu-
siasm and standing bareheaded in the
sunshine addressed his remarks directly
fn -1,n cd hor nhno 1aI nd
seated. The speech was received with
applause.
Remarks by the President.
As Secretary Long concluded he passed
the sword to President Mckinley. The
latter rose and faced the admiral. Dewey
was visibly affected and brushed his
gloved hands across his eyes before stand
ing at attention. The President said
Admiral Dewey: From your entrance in
crew and valiant ship the demonstration
which everywhere greeted you reveal the
ness of the love in which you are held by
The voice of the nation is lifted in praise
and gratitude for the distinguished and
memorable services you have rendered the
country, and all the people give you afec-
tionate welcome home, in which join with
Your victory exalted American valor and
extended American authority. There was
faltering in maintaining 1T. Great ap,
plause) 1t gives me extreme pleasure and
great honor in behalf of all the people TO
hand you this sword. the gift or the nation,
voted by the Congress of the United States
Dewey's Reply.
The President handed the admiral the
sword with deep bow and there was
roar of applause as Dewey received 1T.
The crowd was hushed as he turned to
reply.
Admiral Dewey said:
thank you, Mr.. President, for this great
honor YOU have conferred upon me. thank
thank the secretary of the navy for his
gracious words thank n my sbs Se an
heirloom In my family forever as an evl,
dence that republics are not ungrateful; and
thank han yon ME- foa the eracous cordial
and kindly welcome which you nave gwen
me to my home.
The band played 'The Star-Spangled
Banner" and then Cardinal Gibbons pro-
nounced the benediction. There was the
usual hustle and confusion as the cere-
monies closed and then the crowd rear.
ranged itself, broad path was cleared
across the plaza and Admiral Dewey
stood up beside the President to review
the parade.
At the conclusion of this parade Ad.
miral Dewey was escorted by the clvll
committee to the residence of Mrs. Nc
Lean.
After Admiral Dewey and the Presi.
dent had left the stand there was loud
calls by the crowd fer Schley, and III re-
Spouse that officer stepped to the vacant
stand and bowed repeatedly to the peo-
pie.
The Sword Described.
The sword, except its steel blade and
body metal of its scabbard, is entirely OF
22-karat gold. On the pommel is carved
the name of the battleship Olympia,
which was Dewey's flagship at Manila
and the zodiacal sign for December, in
which lucky month Dewey was born.
Circling these is a closely-woven wreath
of oak leaves, long employed to indicate
and sdorn rank; below these, the pom
mel is embraced by a gold collar, on the
front of which are the arms of the Unit
ed States. with the blue field of the shield
in enamel Below them are the 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 graceful finish is given to it
by q narrow band Of oak leaves, The
sword blade is Damascened with the in
scription:
THE GIFT OF THE NATION
TO