The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-03-22
DINED IN DEWEY'S HONOR.
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and added a new glory to American
arms"
we have been called a nation of hero
worshippers BE ID so, for with us There
are no accidents of title or of lineage OF
of birth, no place TO which merit may
not aspire and desert hope TO enjoy. Such
deeds as yours and those OF your gallant
men Admiral Dewey, VIII be held up 10
posterity an inspiration 10 American
valor. an incentive to American ambition
throughout the ages
The world has known but one republic
thai has illustrated to the fun the bless
ings, the benefits and the glories of con-
stituronal government Who can say, in
the light of past achievements and future
just expectations, for what high and glori-
Gus purpose this country is not destined.
Every man knows in his own heart with
what motive America broke the peace Of
the world. and time will demonstrate with
what motive she has assumed burdens not
her own. The signs of the times show
we have been commissioned to stand, and
stand erect among the Powers of the
world"
Mr.. duBignon rapidly outlined the man,
ner in which the foreign possessions OF
the United States had come beneath their
sway. 1t was the duty of this country
TO ht these islands Of the sea for self
government, anu Nileu start tnfn on ANGlE
way among the nations, newly Amounted
apostles of free, constitutional govern
ment. 1T has been our high privilege,
leaving aside all commercial considera-
tions, to give liberty an opportunity of ex-
tending to portion of the human family
that in the past has never felt its divine
sway"
But" said Mr.. duBignon, Il have al
ready delayed too long, Admiral Dewey
the pleasant duty with which my fellow
citizens have so geeatly honored me
And amid scenes yet teeming with recol-
lections of the great struggle between
the sections of this country, here in this
city, near which some of its battles Were
fought; Near the spot where the war be
tween the states had its incep-
ton, am asked TO present you
with this Of vase, descriptive of that
naval triumph in which you led the
American fleet to victory and undying
fame. My fellow-citizens ask that you
will accept it as a token. as a keepsake,
of their esteem for you and their pride in
that struggle now historic, which secured
for the American flag the fun respect of
all the nations of the world.
Mr.. duBignon took his seat amid
burst of applause, a continuation, as Il
seemed of that by which his speech had
been so frequently interrupted. 1t was
some minutes before the applause subsid-
ed.
AT the close of Mr.. duBignon's eloquent
remarks, the coors which draped the
large vase in front of Admiral Dewey's
seat were removed and the vase exposed
TO view.
Admiral Dewey seemed to hesitate for a
few moments whether to respond When
he arose there was an outburst of ap-
plause.
Mr.. Mayor. Ladies and Gentlemen"
said the Admiral, Il regret that was not
able to take part in all the festivities of
this ocea sion, but l rejoice that | am able
to be with you tonight to receive this
beautiful Gift from your beautiful city. l
prize 1t more as the gift of the city which
all love so much. There is another gift
which | shall take with me. 1t is the
kindly Southern hospitality which has
been extended to myself and my wife by
the ladies' and gentlemen of Savannah"
The brief remarks of the Admiral were
listened to intently and were greeted with
enthusiastic applause.
The vase is of solid silver, about two
feet in hight, standing upon a cube of eb-
ony, which adds about six inches to the
hight, In order to place the desired in
scription and design upon it a great deal
of engraving was necessary and this work
IS OF the highest order. The large round
body of the vase, with the narrow meek
above, afforded ample room for the en-
ercised. AT the top of the diverse side
is scroll. finished at each end with the
four stars indicating the Admirals rank
and containing the simple inscription
TO Admiral George Dewey, u S Navy"
Just below this. upon the body of the vase.
the scheme of the memento is set forth A
female figure, typifying commerce. stands
in relief, with arms outstretched, each
hand resting upon a. marine design. on
the right is depicted the ancient steamship
Savannah, with the date "1Sl9" in large
figures above, and beneath the inscription
in large letters; First Steamship to
Cross the Atlantic Ocean, Sailing from
Liverpool, England, June II. She was built
for ana owned by Savannah Merchants"
Above the design on the right are the
figures 1900" Beneath as a handsome
engraving of one of Savannah's OCEAN
ton reads: Savannah Line Ocean Steam
ship of To-day, Illustrative of Evolution
in Ocean Navigation by Steam Since First
successful Experiment, Savannah, Ca,
May 20. 1919"
ton in large block letters: presented by
the Citizens of Savannah, Georgia, to Ad-
miral George Dewey, United States Navy.
in Recognition Of Distinguished Services
and His Brilliant Victory, Manila Bay
Philippine Islands, May 1, 1898, That Made
More Glorious the Annals of Our Navy
and Opened the Gates of Distant Seas to
Our Commerce, and Commemorative of
His Visit to Our City, March 20 and 81
1900"