The record-union., 1899-06-23

hight. The British by their victories
over all European powers had become
masters of the sea- and Britannia
ruled the wave.' For had they net
won the battle of the Nile, had net
Nelson prevailed at Trafalgar! 1et
when England met our own modest III
tie navy the charm of British naval IN
vincibi1ity was for ever dsspelled. neat
en- and routed, again and again, Eng
land at last was forced TO surrender the
laurel branch of superiority and VIC
tory to America.
During the war of the rebellion that
fierce and bloody strife in which father
was arrayed against son, and brother
against brother. the feats Of valor and
of daring performed by the navy
whether represented in the Union OF
the Confederacy, challenged the admir-
alton of the world.
The heroic deeds of the navy during
this terrific internecine struggle are in
Vulnerable and the need of valor IS
awarded to North and South alike. By
ingenuity and daring. the South made
great use of her naval resources, While
the deeds of the Union navy under the
immortal Farragut rank with the great
est naval exploits of modern or ancient
times.
The memorable encounter of the Mer-
rimac and Monitor. that "cheese-box on
a raft" spectacular and dramatic as II
was in the last degree, revolutionized
the navies of the world. being the first
battle ever fought between ironclads.
Again did American inventive genius
come to the front in the person OF our
Ericsson, neglected by his own coun-
try, but whose worth and ability Co
lumbia's land had learned to appre-
ciate.
The great English Admiral Nelson
success at the battle of the Nile won
for him the praises of the naval world
It was the foundation of his fame as
Napoleon of the Sea- Trafalgar was
the brightest particular gem added to
his crown of glory.
Our gallant and daring Dewey's bold
ness and courage in entering. the hostile
harbor and between the enemy's feet
and shore is a parallel to Nelson's
policy. Defeat in either case would
mean total annihilation to the attack
ing fleet, at the hands of a fierce foe
crushed by the jaws of an irresistible
vice. 1t is true that Nelson had the
French army and fleet or either side,
but torpedoes and submarine nliEes
were unknown in his time, they be-
longed to the interminable list of in
ventions of the enlightened nineteenth
century. Here then the parallel be-
tween the achievements of Nelson and
Dewey ceases.
The entering of Mobile bay during the
rebellion, made the name of
Farragut, Farragut, old heart of oak, ;.
Daring Dave Farragut thunberbolt
stroke.
Shine out in American naval history
with especial luster.
Well did Farragut know the danger
Of his undertaking. but with his noble
heroic soul af1ame the sense Of danger
made him contemptuous of fear. OF his
success let history be the witness.
When our gallant Dewey under the
cover Of darkness, four thousand watery
miles from his native land, entered the
we'll mined and we'll fortified harbor
of Manila, when he silanced and passed
the shore batteries at tCavite and met
and conquered the Spanish fleet, Dewey
won complete and glorious victory
unparalleled and unrivaled in the an
nails Of naval warfare.
Again did the world resound with
praise for the American navy when at
Santiago Schley blockaded so effectively
the harbor, making impossible Ger
vera's escape. and then on July 3, 1898,
gained another great naval victory no
less complete and memorable than that
achieved by Dewey al Manila.
cr1,a hos ch hvy G
achievements that it is the unity of
strict intelligence and prudence; our
American sailor isl the most enlightened
seaman in the world. Our naval COM
manders have new implements to- work
with, and we'll have they learned TO Use
them
With the advantages we have as a
nation we can hope. as of yore, TO be
able to quiet the most powerful and
offensive country on the globe, to cope
with the fleets of any nation. to defend
our coasts without having our lands
laid waste, our homes razed to the
ground, to protect our commerce and
the rights of our citizens in every land
and spread the glory of the Stars and
Stripes to every part of the civilized
world.
THE IRISH SOLDIER IN AMER
ICA."-BY J.. A. LAVELLE.
Lovet of native land. of right, justice
and liberty have ever been a character
istic of the Irish people.
The fame of their valorous arms has
called forth the admiration of all ma
tions at all times.
The brightest pages of the worlds
history are replete with praise for the
Irish soldier" be he fighting for his
own dear isle of the shamrock or when
enrolled in the muster of foreign ma
ton
The annals of France and Austria, of
England and of America teem with the
immortal achievements of the Irish sol
der; ever faithful, generous and mag
unanimous, he has never been found
wanting in courage and efficiency where
perils were to be encountered or honors
won.
America more than any other nation
is indebted to Irish valor and in
trepidity.
A thousand battle fields attest,
A thousand victories show
How we'll at liberty's behest
They fought Columbia's foes.
Around the flag of Washington,
They mustered side by side,
"s Nth a patriots aess blood eaS We're dyed
And oft beneath that banner fair,
On many a CORY plain,
They've met the foe with bosoms bare
Nor spared their hearts red rain.
In every battle of the revolution from
Lexington to jamestown, the Irish SOL
der fought bravely and true for the
cause of liberty and Columbia.
Cherishing deep in their hearts an