The times., 1899-12-01
John Paul Jones.

John Paul Jones.
The announcement that after a long
search. the grave Of the most conspicuous
naval officer in the War of the Revolution
has been located in Paris, and that there
is 10 be brought before Congress a measure
for the removal Of the remains of John Paul
Jones to the adopted country for which he
fought so valiantly in its long struggle for
independence will prove most gratifying
TO every appreciative American.
The discovery Of the abandoned resting
place Of one of the greatest sea fighters
the world has ever known viii claim espe-
cial attention at this time when the nation
is showering upon the worthy successors
of John Paul Jones the many honors that
attest the heartfelt appreciation of deeds
destined to be considered by the highest
civilization to come as powerful influences
toward its attainment.
One cannot peruse today the story of the
intrepid Jones, his daring struggles with
superior adversary, invariably resulting in
decisive victory, the universal astonish-
ment caused by his successes, and the rev.
eation made through them TO the powers
Of the Old World of the stuff that the ag-
gressive and defiant Americans were made
of, without a THRILL and even in the dim
ming perspective OF history these events
stand out with sufficient prominence TO place
them side by side with achievements so
very recent that the echoes of their guns
seem to have scarcely died away in the
inevitable silence Of all that is past.
Paul Jones should awaken an interest more
than ordinary, and undoubtedly will.
There is a commendable American senti-
ment, perhaps born of the late war, which
almost insists that every man who dies
for the honor of his countTys flag shall
eventually be given burial in the land
which accepted his great sacrifice. Al
though the patriot Jones did not lose his
life in action, or as the result of wounds
sustained while fighting, there was pathos
in the closing days OF the brilliant war
rior of the sea, which reminds one of the
banished Napoleon standing on the shores
of Saint Helena and gloomily scanning
the endless stretch of sea that bore not a
single sail of hope, for the American who
tleship encountered, died of poverty and
neglect in the French capital.
1t is most fitting that the American ma
tion of this day should honor the memory
of him who by his personal courage and in
flexible devotion helped 10 lay its very
foundation. Therefore, the plans that are
taking shape for the removal proposed are
commendabe The announcement that the
President, his Cabinet officers and the
/ leading men Of both the army and the navy
are favorable to the project, ought 10 give
It an impetus that will bring about its early
consummation. The proposition 10 commits
sion a warship for the honor of conveying
I the dust of the patriot of America, and TO
have the transfer accompanied by all the
pomp to which the rank and fame Of John
| Paul Jones entitled him, seems deserving Of
/ spontaneous Congressional endorsement.
1t may not be out of place to suggest
in the immatu state Of the arrangements,
/ that the arrival OF the casket containing
/ the ashes Of one of the first and foremost
/ of our patriots, should be the signal for a
! popular outburst of homage; that the rein
terment should eventually be made in a
magnificent sarcophagus in or near the city
of Washington, and that the naval victors
/ of Manila and Santiago should be promi-
nent in the rites attending the restoration
to the nation keeping of one of the great
! est OF its honored dead.