Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1899-10-07
GIFT OF THE NATION.
Dewey Showed Much Emotion When
Presented With His Sword.
Impressive Ceremonies at tho National
Capital when the Testimonial from
Congress Was oiven BY ths President
Dinner at tho white House.

Congress was 0tvon " tho Ehessupns
Dinner ut the white House.
Washington, Oct. l.-The culmina-
ton OF Admiral Dcwey's triumphal
homecoming was reached yesterday
IN the shadow Of the dome Of the na-
tional capitol. He received from the
hands Of the president the magnificent
jeweled sword voted by congress In
commemoration of the victory Of the
battle Of Manila bay. This was the
official reason for the ceremony. But
mere official sanction could never have
thrown into the demonstration the
fervor of enthusiasm that was melted
out to the admiral rs he appeared be-
fore the vast audience, composed not
only of all Of the highest officials in
the land, but Of spectators drawn from
every quarter of the United States
The battle Of Manila bay was not for
gotten, but 1t might be said to have
been relegated almost to second place
In the desire to do honor to the man
who has proved himself as great after
victory as before II and who has shown
in the long and trying months that
followed his triumph the qualities OF a
statesman and wise administrator as
well rs those of fighting leader OF
victorious fleet.
And enhancing these qualities was
that Of manly modesty, displayed In
the quiet dignity with which he met
the occasion. This trait Of Dewey's
character was evident from the moment
he reached the stand side by side with
the president. He paused ut this point
for moment. unwilling apparently to
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 magistrate. President
Mckinley grasped the situation in an
instant, and taking his great sea cap
tain by the arm. placed him by gentle
force in that chair that had been in
tended for him. Later in the day rs
the carriages bearing the official party
drove away from the capitol between
the walls of cheering people the presi-
dent again displayed his tact by re-
naming covered and ignoring the
demonstration himself, leaving its &c
acknowledgement to the admiral.
For Dewey It was trying as well as
triumphal day. 1t had been given to
few officers in the naval history OF the
country to sit before crowd OF thou
sands while the chief Of the naval es-
tablishment dilated on their exploits
And then to stand before the same
crowd and receive at the hands OF the
president sword prepared for him at
the request of the representatives OF
the whole people. The strain upon
Admiral Dewey reached almost to the
breaking point None but those near
est to him could see how he labored to
reprcss 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
fash of a white glovcd hand rs it rose
10 dash away the tears before the ad-
miral came to the rigid attitude OF at
tcntion before his chief.
hneu IL UcCdhC bG"CN w
reply his voice failed him and he made
the effort twice before his lips would
respond. When he did succeed his
tones were clear and steady. but so
low that only those nearest him could
near.
One Of the most remarkable features
of the eventful day was the ovation to
Rear Admiral Schley on the return OF
the party from the capitol to the white
house. His carriage was several num-
beers behind that Of the president and
Admiral Dewey's and he received an
ovation that it is believed scarcely
ranked below that accorded TO the ad-
miral himself. The tumult grew us
the carriage paced down the avenue
and the crowd surged around 1t till the
horses were brought to foot pace.
Finally company Of the high school
cadets came to the rescue and formed
about the carriage in q hollow square.
Thus protected and flanked by force
of police the carriage reached the white
house with II long gap between 1t and
the next official guests.
President Mckinley in honor OF Adj
miral Dewey last night gave the largest
dinner party in the history of the white
house social functions. Covers were
laid for over so persons The guests
included the cabinet, the governors OF
nine states, Justices of the supreme
court. some of the members of both
houses Of congress, army and navy OH
Gals and others. 1t was a brilliant
affair. An hour before the hour an
nounced n large crowd Of spectators
had gathered in front Of the white
house and watched the arrivals. Adj
miral Dewey came at eight o'clock and
MS he passed inside with Flag Lieut..
Brumby and Flag Secretary Cald-
well. the admiral was enthusiastically
cheered. Rear Admiral Schley was