Connecticut western news., 1899-10-05
THE ADMIRAL SWORD
Gift of Congress Presented to
 Dewey by Mckinley.
BRILLIANT DINNER FOR THE HERO

BRILLIANT DINNER FOX THE HERO President and Cabinet, Nine Govern | ors of States and Eight Omcers of the Army and Navy at the White House Banquet. Washington, Oct. 4.-The culmination | If Admiral Dewey's triumphal home com | ing was reached under the dome of the national capitol when he received from | the hands of the president the magnifi- rent jeweled sword voted him by congress in commemoration of the victory of Ma | nila bay. Mere official sanction could never have thrown into the demonstration the fervor l of enthusiasm that was meted out to the admiral as he appeared before the vast | audience, composed not only of all the highest officials in the land, but of spec tators drawn from every quarter of the United States.
 The battle of Manila Bay was not for gotten, but it might be said to have been relegated almost to second place in the desire to do honor to the man who had
 proved himself as great after victory as before it and who had shown in the long and trying months that followed his Ia- val triumph the qualities of a statesman
 and a wise administrator as well as those
 of the leader of a 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 evil denced from the moment he reached the stand side by side with the president. He paused at this point for a moment, un- -l~. sAlz Al. had been prepared for him on the right of the platform lest he should appear to usurp the place due to the chief magis- trate President Mckinley grasped the situation in an instant and, taking his great sea captain by the arm, placed him by gentle force in that chair that had been intended for him. Later in the day, as the carriage bearing the official party drove away from the capitol between walls of cheering people, the president again displayed his tact by remaining covered and ignoring the demonstration himself leaving its acknowledgment to the admiral alone.
 Trying Day For Dewey.
 For Dewey it was a trying as well as a triumphal day. It has been given to few officers in the naval history of the coun- try to sit before a crowd of thousands while the chief of the naval establish ment dilated upon his exploits and then to stand before the same crowd to re- ceive at the hands of the president a sword prepared for him at the behest of the representatives of the whole people. The strain upon Admiral Dewey reached almost to the breaking point. None but those nearest to him could tell his feel ings 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.
 When it came Dewey's turn to reply, his voice failed him, and he made the effort twice before his lips would respond.
 When he did speak, his tones were clear and steady, but so slow that only those nearest him could hear.
 One of the most remarkable features of the eventful day was the ovation to Rear Admiral Schley on the return of the par ty from the capitol to the White House. His carriage was several numbers behind that of the president and Admiral Dewey and received an ovation that could be scarcely ranked below that accorded to the admiral himself. The tumult grew as the carriage proceeded down the avenue and the crowd surged around it till the horses were brought to a foot pace. Finally a company of the High School cadets came to the rescue and formed about the carriage in a hollow square Thus protected and fanked by force of police the carriage reached the White House with a long gap between it and he next official guests.
 Out of the store of his experience the president was able to give Admiral Dew ay one valuable suggestion before leav-
 ng the capitol. The venerable Cardinal Gibbons was presented, and after an ex- :hange of greetings the president asked he admiral if he felt equal to a general ordeal of handshaking. The hero of Ma 1ila swerved from the shock, explaining that his right arm was partially para
 yzed from his experience in New York. The White House Dinner. The dinner party given by President Mckinley in honor of Admiral Dewey last night was the largest in the history of the White House social functions. Covers were laid for over 80 persons. The guests included the cabinet, the gov ernors of nine states, justices of the su- preme court, some of the members of both houses of congress, army and naval officers and others. It was a brilliant affair. ....-
 Admiral Dewey came at o'clock, and as he passed inside with Flag Lieutenant Brumby and Flag Secretary Caldwell .he admiral was enthusiastically cheered. Rear Admiral Schley was given similar ovation. The guests passed into the east room, whence they proceeded to the White House corridor, which served as the state dining room, the usual room being too small for the purpose. The corridor was superbly decorated.
 The decoration of the east room was unique and consisted entirely of plants. Palms and the multicolored croton filled all of the window spaces and mantels. Mir. Phister, who has charge of the White House conservatories, has made a speciality of the croton plant and used 60 varieties in the east room in the decora-