The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-10-04

extracts from our official correspondence.
covering less than q fortnights time. and
now known the world over.
Washington. April o. 1895
Dewey. Hong Kong:
War has commenced between the United
States and Spain. Proceed at once TO
Philippine Islands Begin operations at
once, particularly against the Spanish
fleet You must capture vessels or de-
stroy. Use utmost endeavors.
LONG.
Manila. May T.
Secretary Of the Navy Washington
The squadron arrived AT Manila at day
break this morning. Immediately en-
gagged enemy and destroyed the following
vessels The squadron is unin-
jured. Few men were slightly wounded.
DEWEY
'Alay g.
Secretary Of the Navy. Washington:
II have taken possession Of the naval
station Philippine Islands ] control bay
completely, and can take city at any
time. The squadron IN excellent health
and spirits. I am assisting and protect
ing Spanish sick and wounded
DEWEY
washington. May z. 1895
Dewey"
1.-THE President. I'm the name Of the
American people. thanks you and your
officers and men for your splendid
achievement and overwhelming victory.
In recognition. he has appointed you
Acting Rear-Admiral. and will recon-
mend a vote Of thanks 10 you by Congress
as a foundation for further promotion"
In those few words. what "a volume OF
history. what a record Of swift high, he
role discharge Of duty. You went. you
saw. you conquered IL seems but yes
terday that the republic. fun Of anxiety,
strained its listening ear 10 catch the
first word from those distant islands Of
the sea. 10 came flashing over the wires
that May morning as the sun bursts
through the clouds and hlled every heart
with the illumination Of its good cheer.
In the tWinkiing OF am eye your name was
ON every lip: the blessing of every Ameri-
can was on your head: and your country
strobe instantly forward a mghtier power
among the nations of the world. As we
welcome YOU back there comes back also
the vivid picture of that time. with an
its hopes and fears. and with all It's swift
succeeding triumph and glory
Let me read the Act of Congress in plr-
suance OF which We are here:
Resolved by the Senate and House ~
Representatives OF the United States or
America. I'm Congress assembled, mat
the Secretary Of the Navy be, and he
hereby Is authorized 10 present sg ora
OF honor 10 Commodore George Dewey
and 10 cause 20 be- struck bronze medals,
concentrating the battle Of Manila
BAY. and To distribute such medals To the
officers and men OF the ships Of The
Asiatic squadron of the United states
under command of Commodore George
Dewey on May lst, 1895 and that, TO en-
able the Secretary 90 carry out this reso-
tution. the sum Of ten thousand dollars,
or so much thereof as may Boz necessary
IS hereby appropriated out OF any money
I'm the Treasury not otherwise appropriate
ed.
Approved. June 9, 1855"
BY authorizing the presentation OF this
sword TO you as the mark of its approval,
YOUR country has recognized therefore not
only the great rich fruits which, even be-
fore 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 tui-
dl the destiny of her own growth ana 0t
the empire that IS now her charge.
DEWEY WAS TOUCHED.
As Secretary Long passed the sword TO
President Mckinley the latter rose ana
faced the Admiral Dewey was NisiDly
affected and brushed his gl0yed hand
across his eyes before standing at atten-
ton
The President said Admiral Dewey
from your entrance In the harbOr Of New
York with your gallant crew and valiant
shin the demonstrations which everywhere
have greeted you reveal the public esteem
of vour heroic action and the fullness OF
the love ia which you are held by your
country.
THE voice Of the nation is lifted in
praise and gratitude for the distinguished
and memorable services you nave rem
dered the country, and all the people give
YOU afectf0nate welcome home IN Which
/ Join with all my heart. Your victory
exalted American valor and extended
American authority. There was no flaw
i'm your victory; there will be no falter-
ing In maintaining it. Great appiause)
1T gives me extreme pleasure and great
honor in behalf OF all the people to hand
YOU this sword. the gift of the nation
voted by the Congress Of the United
States"
The President handed tho Adm raj the
sword with a deep bow, and there was "A
roar OF applause as Dewey received II.
The crowd was hushed as he turned TO
reply.
Admiral Dewey said: Il thank you, Mr.
President. for this great honor you have
conferred upon me. 1 thank the secretary
OF the Navy for his gracious words
thank my ccuntrymen FOR this beautIul
Gift which shall be an heirloom IN my
family forever as an evidence that re
nublics are not ungrateful, and l thank
You. Mr.. Chairman, and gentlemen OF me
committee for the gracious, cordial ana
kindly welcome which you have given me
TO my home" e.-,.,
The band played THE star Spangled
parner'' and then Cardinal Gibbons pro-
nounced the benediction.
GRAND REVIEW.
Following the benediction, the arrange
ments for the review OF the mlltaiy IS
COR, nv Admiral Dewey were carried out.
While the notice, prior TO the troops get
I'm i'm motion, were forcing the crowd
back 10 give a clear passageWay lot the
troops across the plaza, there were de-
monds from the crowd 10 Hold up the
sword" Admiral Dewey, coIhplalsaht as
ALWAYS. lifted IT, and then IL was raised
',1st,, lv one of the committeeman. Upon
The latter putting It down, Admiral
Dewey AT the request OF photographer
,,grched on "A step-ladder nearby held the
sword I'm both hands while the camera
1'be Admiral and the President then
seated themselves and conNersed ami
matedIv The former was facing south.
nn1 me noticed a little girl probably four
Years old I'm the crowd near the stand
kissing her hand TO him. In an instant
his sace was aglow and he waved both
hands 10 the young one. There was few
nfnutes DELAY in the starting or the
escort. and during the interval the Adj
mirai and the President were Joined IN
the stand by Secretary Long, secretary