Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-04-28
SCHlEY ANO WHEELER
Attend As Guests OF Honor the Grant Da,
Celebration at Pittsburg. Pa.

Pittsburg. Pa, April 227.-Poiiucs
gave way to patriotism at the annual
banquet Of the Americas Republican
club in honor of the birthday Of Gen.
Grant. tonight. The army ana navy
had the call ana the guests of honor
were Gen. JOS. Wheeler ana Admiral
Winfield 5. Schley. The dinner was
held at the Hotel Schenley and in
many respects was the most success
full ever given by the club. Covers
We're laid for 500 and had there been
room probably twice this number Of
tickets would have been sold. Preced-
ing the dinner the distinguished guests
held a reception.
The guests filed into the banquet hail
to the strains of The Stars ana
Stripes" Hon {. L. Magec was chair
man at the dinner table and Clarence
Burleigh. city attorney, was toastmas
ter.
Major Gen. Wheeler responded to the
toast Grant"
Rear Admiral Schley. replying 70
Our Navy" said:
Mr.. President ana Gentlemen of the
American Club:
This beautiful city is closely connect
ed with our navy as it is here that 50
much of the material of our new ships
is produced. 1t is no wonder that such
general interest is felt by your people
and that such widespread information
is met here in matters that relate tG
our navy. Fresh as we are from war
in which such wonderful results have
been achieved through lie instpumen-
al I
dnrstand the desire of the good people
of Pittsburg to know something Of the
persons who helped to bring about the
results in which 50 many of your skill
cd artisans have had their share.
The war history of our navy is fami-
liar to your all and no words | could
add of its dash or daring III the recclt
struggle would seem necessary: the
names of its great captains will live
imperishably in the affection of our
people for whom they wrought and
fought. The names of Jones and Som
erS and Decatur and Hull, of Stewart
and Perry and McDonouga and Fara-
gut and Foote: of Porter and Gushing
and BaSley and Dewey will last al
ways and with increasing admiration
long after the living implements which
gave their lives expression shall lave
! fallen away into dust: their thJlllingly
| heroic exploits will be read always
with increasing heartbeats and with
reVercntial admiration for their devo-
ton to the cause Of the republic.
The legacy of their work means q
wider scope to the duties of citizenship
and the honor Of their glory gives
lnnnn,, iDGnir1t inn tn thar i,. rs
votion to name and to kindred which
| begetS that not of confidence underly-
| ing the solid structure of this blessed
republic Of ours. over and beyond all
| else in their lives was that consecra-
| ton to duty in their country's service
| that set its triumphs and its glory be-
| yond all risks or exposure to them
| selves and thrilled their hearts and
/ nerved their arms for the battle.
The war through which the nation
has just passed has shown that her
4 sons have been faithful to their in
/ herited traditions and that the safety
| and welfare of our people are secure in
1 their keeping. Let US hope that ha
4 peace it accomplished may be lasting
! and that the two nations may under
! Gods providence march forward III IN
I disturbed amity and friendship for the
/ future.
| do not recall in history that ma
! ton ever before declared war upon an
y other and the day following blockaded
the enemys ports. Such was the con-
, dition of readiness in our navy ihaL
( this was possible in the late war. and
! the lesson it impresses ought not TO be
forgotten that was to be short, sharp
and decisive can only be made SO by
preparation in times of peace 50 that
when it must be undertaken it car on
ly end with honor and dignity to the
nation.
! rejoice with YOU all in the prestig-
that has come to our country through
The valiant deeds of her sons, and no