Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1899-07-13

iSoANChS Rh>AAihlcy anu OiiICldlS VI Tie
war department in reference to the
mastering out of the Tenth Pennsyl-
vania regiment and the suggested pro-
motion OF Colonel Hawkins to the rank
of Brigadier General.
After a conference with Adjutant
General Corbin the delegation repaired
to the White House, where they had
an appointment with the president.
Mr. Mckinley displayed genuine pleas
ure and enthusiasm in meeting with
the Pennsylvanians and listened with
greatest interest to the plans that have
been formed for the reception of the
Tenth regiment.
When told that the citizens of Pitts.
burg would contribute fund of $4O.-
600 or $4,000 to bring the regiment
home from San Francisco, where 1t will
be mustered out. in special trains Of
Pullman cars, in order that the boys
will be at no personal expense what
ever In crossing the continent, the
president exclaimed:
What grand people you Penn
sylvanians are, and what generosity
and patriotism you are displaying in
this matter"
THE TENTH'S SACRIFICES.
The president spoke feelingly of his
appreciation of the heroic services of
the Tenth Pennsylvania and of the
patriotic self sacrifice displayed by
them and all volunteer troops who re-
mained in the Philippines after the
termination of the war with Spain.
Il should like" he said, "to have the
opportunity to take the hand and
thank every individual member of the
volunteer forces for remaining in the
Philippines and assisting in the work
there beyond the time required of them
by the terms of their enlistment"
The delegation, through it's spokes-
man, Governor Stone. then presented
resolutions endorsing Colonel Hawkins
for promotion. The president received
the suggestions with much interest and
promised to look into the matter, and
said that he would Immediately cable
Major General Otis, in the Philippines,
to ascertain if everything was clear
for such promotion. He stated that
there were no vacancies to which Coz
onel Hawkins could be appointed, but
intimated that it might be possible to
make him brigadier general at the
time he is mustered out, so that he
Will leave the service with rank
Arrangements have since been made
by which the regiment will not be paid
Off until the men are placed on board
the train at San Francisco which will
carry them to Pittsburg. This will in
sure the command coming east in
body. While the men will have to sur
render their arms at San Francisco.
they will be permitted to carry home
with them the colors under which they
made such a gallant record in the Phil.
ippines.
HE SAW THEM FIGHT.
Brigadier General Otis, who has just
returned from Manila, in an interview
at Washington, said: "The Tenth reg
iment, Pennsylvania volunteers, is one
of the finest bodies of men that ever
saw on the field. The charge of the
regiment and the capture of the church
and Chinese hospital was beautifully
done. During the march toward Ma
lolos the Pennsylvania regiment was
for time in my brigade and the boys
gave splendid account of themselves.
81 had heard so much of the splendid
National Guard of Pennsylvania that |
was anxious to meet the Tenth regi-
ment and inspect it. and having done
So desire to be placed on record with
| tho occnpttnn fhat hot cnIdiaro nr
braver men never followed u COM
mander."
General, do you know why 1t Is
| that Colonel Hawkins has not been
promoted to be brigadier general for
his services?" he was asked.
81 do not. can tell you this, how
ever, that the president is preparing
to call upon Major General Otis for
a statement regarding the promotion
of the volunteer officers who are now
| returning home from the Philippines"
SENATOR PENROSE AT WORK.
| Since the governor and his delega-
| tion called upon the president United
States Senator Penrose has been look
| ing after the matter.
Recognizing tne great ihtereSI III
the return of the Pennsylvania troops
from Manila" remarked Senator Pen
| rose, in chat on this subject, "and
| appreciating the desire OF the citizens
| of Pennsylvania to fittingly honor
| these brave sons of the Keystone state.
l have had several interviews with the
president and the officials of the war
department on this subject. The pres
| ident from the outset showed a keen
and patriotic interest in the move
ments of the Fighting Tenth and at
once evinced desire to cooperate
with the citizens of Pennsylvania in
any demonstration that might be got
ten up as a tribute of admiration of
the gallant work of our volunteers in
the sharp fighting in the Philippines.
| 4