The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1899-10-11
SWORD FOR DEWEY.
President Presents The jeweIIed Weapon 10
The Admifal--MoKInIey Speaks
Words OF Gratitude.

The magnificent sword awarded BY
net Of congress to the nations hero
was Tuesday bestowed upon Admiral
Dewey In the presence OF the president
the members OF congress and judiciary,
the highest officers of the army ana
navy and a vast crowd Of the plain
people.
The scene Of the presentation was APP
proprlately located under the shadow
OF the dome OF the great white capitol
of the nation--a spot filled with
memories of other stately ceremonies.
The escort which marched In line
with the admiral was made up entirely
of soldiers and sailors.
There was nothing In the general ar
rangements and the immense crowd
sweeping through the beautiful plaza
to Indicate that the occasion was any
thing less than presidential inaugura-
tion.
II was before this vast assemblage,
amid a profound hush, that Admiral
George Dewey received from the hand
OF its chief executive the sword a nation
gave him. The focus Of thousands OF
eyes, the central figure OF n magnificent
tableau, he stood. with military erect
ness, at attention and listened to the
eloquent tributes paid him by the presi-
dent and naval chief, speaking for the
whole people. A sun as brilliant as that
which shone on that May day in
distant ocean cleaned back from the
jeweled sword as he received II. thous-
ands of voices drowned the crash
brass, flags waved in a glorious sea
color and the most picturesque and
pressive ceremony the nations
tol has ever seen ended.
In presenting the sword to the
miral President Mckinley spoke as
lows:
admiral Dewey: From your entra
in the harbor Of New York with yc
gallant crew and valiant ship, tn
demonstrations which everywhere have
greeted you reveal the public esteem
of your heroic action, and the fullness
OF the love in which you are held by
your country.
"The voice of the nation is lifted in
praise and gratitude for the distirg-
ulshed and memorable services you
have rendered the country, and all the
people give you affectionate welcome
home. in which / join with all my
heart. Your victory exalted American
valor and extended American authority
There was no flaw In your victory:
there will be no faltering in maintain
| ing II. (Great applause) 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 the admiral the
sword with a deep bow and there was
| roar of applause as Dewey received
| IT, The crowd was hushed as he
| turned TO reply.
| Admiral Dewey said: IT thank you.
Mr.. President, for this great honor xa3aI
have conferred upon me. th fhe
congress for what 1t has done. thank
the secretary of the navy for hit graci-
| Gus words. I thank my country for
this beautiful gift. which shall be an
heirloom in my family forever, as an
| evidence that republics are not un-
grateful. and I thank you. Mr.. Chair
man and gentlemen Of the committee,
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 benedction.