Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-10-04
NATIONS GIFT,
The Sword Voted by Congress
Presented to Dewey.
Impressive Ceremonies at Washington
Admiral Much Affected.
Admiral, Dewey the Guest Of President at
White House. in evcaing.

Washington, oct. 3.-Thc elimination
Of Admiral DcWey's triumphal home
coming was reached. today, in the
shadow of the dome of the national
Capitol. Here he received from the
hands Of the President the magnificent
icweled sword voted him by Congress
in. commemoration of the victory at
Manila bay This was the official pro-
vocation for the ceremony. But mere
official sanction could never have
thrown into the demonstration, the fer
vor of enthusiasm that was meeted out
to the admiral as he appeared before
the vast audience composed not only
Of all the highest officials in the land
but also of spectators drawn from
every quarter of the United States. The
battle of Manila bay was not forgotten,
but it might be said to have been re-
legated almost to second place in the
desire to do honor to the man who had
proved himself as great after victory
as before it and who had shown in the
long and trying months that followed
his naval triumph the qualities of a
statesman and a wise administrator, as
well as those of fighting leader Of
victorious fleet.
And enhancing the qualities was that
of manly modesty displayed in the
quiet dignity with which he met the
occasion. This trait of Dewey's char
acter was evidenced from the moment
he reached the stand side by side with
the President He paused ut this point
for n moment unwilling APPARENTLY TO
take the place that had been prepared
= ,nln
lest he should appear TO usurp the
place due to the Chief Magistrate
President Mckinley grasped the situa-
ton in an instant and taking ms great
sea captain by the arm placed MN by
gentle force in the chair that had been
intended for him.
For Dewey ii was trying as well as
a triumphal day. II has been given /"
few officers in the naval history OF the
country to sit before crowd OF thou9-
ands while the chief of the naval es-
tablishment diiated upon their exports
and then to stand before the same
crowd to receive at the hands 81 the
President "A sword prepared Tor MN at
the behcst of the representatives, OF
the whole people The strain upon Ad-
miral Dewey reached almost 10 III"
breaking point. None but those near
est to him could tell his feelings dur
ing the address of Secretary Long, hul
when he arose to receive the SWORD
from the hands Of the President, no on"
could mistake the flash of tn" white
glovcd hand as if rose To dash away
the tears before the admiral came I"
the rigid attitude of attention before
his chiefs.
When II became DcWcy'S tdrn to re-
uly. his voice failed him and ne mace
the effort twice hcfor" his lips would
respond When he did speak his tones
were clear and steady, bat so low tiat
only those nearest him could hear AS
the admiral closed and took ms seat.
he turned to the President ana IN
tone of quizzical appeal inquired:
Nov. really. don't you think uld
pretty well for an amateur?
When Secretary Long began ms ad-
dress the sun was Swinging directly IN
Admrafs Dewcy's eyes and without
his hat he was at its mercy. The sec
rotary quietly inserted in his address a
low aside: Admiral. turn your chalr
. little, we don't want t. have you
blind"
ono If the most remarkable features
tf
ADMIRAL Sch,ev on the return of the
party from the Capitol to the Nhite
Housc His carriage was several NUM-
bcrs behind that Of the President ana
Admiral Dewey and received an ova-
ton that could scarcely be ranked pc
low that accorded to the admiral him-
self.
Before leaving the Capitol. Cardinal
Gibbons was presented to Admiral
Dewey and after an exchange of greet
ins.;. the President asked the admiral
if.he felt equal to a general handshak-
ing ordeal. The admiral explained
that his light ann was partially paralz-
81 from his experience in New York.
Let me suggest to YOU, said tn
President that hereafter YOU shake
the other mans hand; don't let him
shake yours. You save yourself by not
letting them get the grasp on you.
Prayer was offered by Rev. Dr.. Bris-
ton. President McKinley's pastor. Sec
rotary Long was received with enthu-
siasm and standing barehsad in the
sun. addressed his remarks to Dewey
who remained hareheaded and seated
The speech was received with applause.
AS Secretary Long concluded he pass
ed the sword to President Mckinley
The latter rose and faced Admira
Dewey. who was visibly affected ant
brushed his sloved hands ac1 1sS his
eyes before standing az attention.
The President said: ''Na~;i~a
Dewey. from your cHtr3nra ~ Il, '--.'
Dor of New York with yets /. ia
crew and valiant ship ;hr d-nnnetr.,
lions which cVcrywilol'e h..vr Eli. etc.
YOU reveal the public cstec.. III yau