The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1899-10-11
Jeweled Sword.

| nation or DeWey's trlumphal home
coming was reached today in the shade
of the dome of the national capitol.
Here he received from the hands Of the
President the magnificent jeweled
sword voted him by Congress III com
memoration of the victory of Manila
bay. This was the official provocation
for the ceremony.
The AdmiraPs manly modesty was
evident from the moment lie reached
the stand, side by side with the Presi-
dent. He paused at this point for a
moment, unwilling apparently 10 take
the place that had been prepared for
him on the right of the platform lest he
should appear TO usurp the place due to
the chief.
President Mckinley grasped the
situation in an instant and taking this
great sea captain by the arm, placed
him by gentle force in the chair that
had been intended for him.
For the Admiral it was trying as
well as triumphal day. 1t has been
given 10 few officers in the naval his-
tory of the country TO cit before a
crowd of thousands while the chief of
the naval establishment dilated upon
their exploits, and then to stand before
the same crowd to receive at the hands
Of the President sword prepared for
him at the behest of the representatives
of the whole people. The strain upon
the Admiral reached almost to the
breaking point. None but those near
est to him could tell his feelings during
the address of Secretary Long, but
when he arose to receive the sword
from the hands of the President no
one could mistake the flash of the white
gloved hand as it rose to dash away the
tears before the Admiral came to the
rigid attitude of attention before his
chief.
In presenting the sword President
Mckinley said:
From your entrance into the har-
Dor of New York with your gallant
crew, and valiant ship the demonstrs-
tions which have greeted you reveal
the public esteem of your heroic &C.
ton and the fullness of the love in
which you are held by the country
The voice of the nation has been lifted
in praise and gratitude for the distin-
guished and memorable services you
have rendered the country. All the
people give you an affectionate well
come in which / join with all my heart.
There was no flaw in your victory,
there will be no faltering in maintain
ing it. 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 Congress-"
In reply the Admiral said: 81 thank
you, Mr.. President, for this great
honor you have conferred upon me.
1 thank Congress for what it has done.
1 thank the secretary of the navy for
his gracious words. / thank my coun-
trymen for this beautiful gift, which
shall be an heirloom in my family for
ever as an evidence that republics
are not ungrateful, and l thank you,
Mr.. Chairman and gentlemen of the
con mittee for the gracious, cordial and
kindly welcome which you have given
me to my home" The band played
"The Star Spangled Banner and then
Cardinal Gibbons pronounced the ben
ediction.
The largest dinner in the history of
the White House was given this even
ing by President Mckinley in honor of
the Admiral. Covers were laid for
over eighty persons. The guests in
cluded the cabinet, the governors of
nine States, justices of the supreme
court, some of the members of both
houses OF Congress, army and naval
officers and others. Admiral Dewey
came at eight O'Clock and as he passed
inside with Flag Lieut.. Brumby and
Secretary Caldwell he was enthusiastic
caly cheered. Rear Admiral Schley
was given a similar ovation.
The floral and other decorations
throughout the White House were
beautiful. On the large colored glass
screen back of the Presidents chair
had been hug the Presidents flag and
on the opposite side of the table to the
rear of Admiral Dewey's seat was the
four starred blue flag of the admiral of
the navy. At the east end of the table
and over the door leading into the east
room where Secretary Long sat was
the flag of the secretary of the navy
aud over the west end hung the flag of
the secretary of war.
The dinner occupied two and half
hours and was altogether informal.
There was no speech making or toast
making. A telegram was received by
the President from Vice. President Ho-
bart saying that he was unhappy that
that he could not be present and send
ing greeting to the assembled party.
The President telegraphed expressing
his own regret and that of the COM
pany, and especially the guests of hon.
or. Beyond the reading of the des-
patch there was no incident and the
evening was passed in individual con-
versation. AT its close Admiral Dewey
took leave OF the party, and amid cheers
from a small crowd of spectators, was
driven directly to his house, where he