The times., 1899-11-24
THE WASHINGTON OPINION
A plain statement Of the Facts.

To the Editor Of The Times.
In the storm OF petty aud cowardly in
suits with which the yellow newspapers
ring, Admiral Dewey may find solace in the
reflection that he is not the only great hero
who has been first smothered with the
I bouquets OF his countrymeu and afterward
pelted with stones. Such is the mutable
mOb-moved to kindness. then to fury. then
to yituperatiOn-all in the space Of one
brief moment of time. For Il is as but
yesterday that triumphal arches were erect
ed, banners waved rockets blazed bands
played martial music and a whole nation
put on its gala attire to welcome the hero
OF Manila.
And now there are none so poor to do
him reverence.
Has he committed some horrible crime.
some mOnstrOus treason against his flag to
merit the obloquy which has fallen upon
him? No but he has had the objectionable
audacity 10 marry the lady OF his choice
without consulting the American people.
and 10 lay his trophies at her feet, as did
the brave knights of old
In a gale Of enthusiasm and cit must be
said gush, some busy people scraped to-
gether a considerable sum Of money with
which they proposed 10 buy a home 10 BE-
the gratitude and love Of the American
people. 1t must be remembered that the
gift was thrust upon him and was in a
manner, trivial and superhuous thing TO
be accepted by man who had already re
ceiyed the highest honors within the gift
of a great nation | think Admiral Dewey
must have felt some embarrassment from
the very nature of the gift and from the
fact that the whole affair savored too much
of a donation party 70 be quite dignifed It
doubtless seemed to him a gracious and
gallant act to present to his wife this trO-
ply Of his triumphs-tO seem to give il
away and yet to have it-just as he might
have handed to her a bunch Of roses given
him by another in token Of admiration for
his bravery.
It was modest and generous thing 10
do. Those who carp at the action reveal
the petty and churlish spirit OF the giver
who only half relinquishes his gift and who
exacts heavy burden OF conditions.
Admiral Dewey on the occasion OF his
triumphant return to the country he had so
bravely served, the recipient Of magnif
cent tribute from the Government OF the
United States. stood before US a noble and
heroic figure. After the rigors of war and
the long strain of excitement under which
he had labOred during his tour through
the country, he came TO our Capital City
to enjoy the peace and rest which he had so
dearly earned From the moment of his
arrival, and especially after this miserable
house incubus was fastened upon him. he
was subjected 10 the most annoying sur
veillance and vulgar curiosity 1t was as
though the American people could not suf-
ficiently gloat over their own magDanim-
ity They needs must corral the house
which they had so magnihcently presented
TO their hero, and watch and record his
comngs and goings. He was in a manner
expected 10 open his windows and doors
and let the American people see him living
in their house" Through all this, he was
the most good -natured of victims and hu-
mored the people in what they considered
their Just prerogatiyes.
He has been hunted and harassed. and
now grossly insulted, by the people Of
Washington as we'll as by those OF other
cities, in the very period OF his life when he
IS by every right entitled 10 the highest de-
gree of felicity-iu the moment of MS victo-
~ and fame and in the beginning OF home
life entered upon under the happiest con-
ditions And these which should have been
his halcyon days. have been embittered by
the embarrassments growing out Of the
possession of gift presented him by the
American people as a mark of their love!
But the greatest hero Of modern times.
though feeling deeply this treatment, from
whatever source il may come. VIII Temem-
ber that those who peer into his windows
and who cast cowardly sluTs upon mis- hon
ored name, do not represent the American
people as a whole What they do represent
is a turbulent and fickle thing called
mob C. E. ].