The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-14


greater loyalty to the flag. Following the
prayer and to the accompaniment of the
Dand, The Battle Hymn of the Republic
was sung. Mr.. Frank Taylor sang the
solo and the full chorus and the vast audi
ence joined in such power of song as to
make 1t almost impossible for the band to
be heard.
THE GOVERNORS REMARKS.
Governor Mount turned over the chair
manship of the meeting to Admiral Brown
in few admirably chosen remarks The
Governor was warmly greeted and spoke as
follows:
THE people of Indiana rejoice in every
opportunity to attest their patriotism and
prove their devotion to the State. The he
Iolc spirit that characterized our soldiers in
the civil war, and that added glory to this
commonwealth, has been transmitted from
sire to son and animated our people in the
late war. The magnificent monument that
towers above our capital city silently yet
eIoquently pronounces encomiums upon the
heroic valor of Indiana soldiers and sailors
Inc agonizing cry of the down-trodden and
the oppressed appealed with mighty power
10 the sympathies of the liberty-loving in
haDltantS OF this Nation and received a
prompt response. With unprecedented unan-
unity and alacrity war appropriations were
voted and volunteers responded to the coun-
tryS call. Indiana was the first to report
her quota filled, with thousands more ear
nestly pleading to go. For daring intrepid
ty, prompt action, attended with terrific
destruction of the enemy and small loss to
our FORCES, the victory of Dewey at Manila
and the humiliation of Cervera's fleet at
Santiago de Cuba, find no parallel in the
history of naval warfare
We have assembled to-day to receive
from the officers and crew of the battle ship
Indiana trophies of the destruction of Adj
miral Cervera's fleet. 1t matters not wheth-
er it be a regiment of Hoosier boys carry
ing Old Glory. with Indiana inscribed
thereon. or mighty battle ship carrying
this honored name, the united petitions of
our people ascend to the God of Battles
to crown with victory the heroes that fight
ion MOT noV1xr
Mia through the daring of Dewey's fleet.
ushered in day of transcedent glory to
this Nation. The Sd of July naval combat,
resulting In the complete destruction of Ger
vera fleet, made our last natal day one of
national Thanksgiving and rejoicing.
THE people of Indiana take pride in the
battle ship that bears their name Under
the modest, unassuming, yet courageous
Captain Taylor. and his valiant officers and
crew, this gallant ship rendered heroic serv-
ice in that memorable battle. The presence
of both houses of the General Assembly of
this State, together with the vast audience
than words how the people of Indiana prize
the trophies of victory to be presented to
our State.
Il deem it fitting on this significant occa-
sion to ask man to preside who for half
a century rendered faithful, heroic service
in the United States navy, having attained
the high and honored rank of admiral in
command of our navy; who, having been
hOnorably retired, returns to the State he
loves and to the people by whom he is be-
chairman of this meeting Admiral George
Brown"
ADMIRAL LAUDS CAPTAIN TAYLOR.
Admiral Brown was cordially greeted, and
commenced his remarks by returning thanks
for the honor of presiding over so great an
assemblage. He referred to the building of
the Indiana and his pride in watching her
growth, and of his last visit to her, about
three months ago, in New York, when he
examined the wound from Spanish shells in
the fight off Santiago de Cuba. on July 8
last. The admiral said in part
while I am willing to concede some cred
1t TO divine Providence / am of opinion the
battle of Santiago was won by the superior
ity of the personnel of our navy over that
of Spain. The highly professional education
of our naval officers enabled them to train
and drill the enlisted men up to the point
of proficiency which enabled every man to
do well his duty, and made every man a
hero.
THE part taken by the Indiana in that
battle was very important one, and fear
that Captain Taylor and his officers have
not received the full measure of credit due
them. 1t was due to the fire of the Indiana
that the Maria Teresa was forced to run on
the shore to avoid sinking in deep water
and also the total destruction and sinking
of one of the torpedo boat destroyers
Capt Henry c. Taylor. who commanded
the Indiana, has been known TO me since
his youth There is no drawer or more com
petent and gallant officer in our navy. ana
tnat means that ne has no superior in the
navies Of the world. While l regret his alb
sence on this occasion. 1 am gratified that
he has chosen as his representative a son of
Indiana, Lieut.. William II. Elliott. of New
Castle"
Admiral Brown closed by presenting Lieut.
w H. Elliott of New Castle who was the
official representative Of Capt II. c. Tdy-
lor and the officers and crew of the Indiana.
Mr.. Elliott read mis- address and began by
referring to the creation of the new navy.
of which the Indiana was the first battle
ship. lie traced the history of the vessel
and spoke of the warm interest the people
of this State have always taken in her.
From the presentation of the silver service
TO the ship, which was carried through the
fight because the officers thought the people
OF the State would prefer to have their gift
with the vessel through active service, down
10 the outbreak of the war. the story of TIE
vessel and her commanders was told step by
step.
LIEUT.. ELLIOTT TELLS THE STORY.
Lieutenant Elliott then said:
ION July 1. 1897, Capt. Henry G. Taylor,
United States navy, assumed command Of