The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-09-19
Tablets FOR WARSHIPS
The Gifts to the Kearsarge and
Alabama Unveiled.
An Occasion Filled With Historical
SiEnificance-The New and the OH
Battieships-A Contrast Drawn
Addresses by Secretary Long and
Governor Johnston of Alabama.

PORTSMOUTH, N. H.. Sept. 1S.-The
guests Of the city and the State who
had come TO Portsmouth to be present at
the ceremonies attendant upon the unyeil-
ing and presentation of the tablets de-
signed for the battleships Kearsarge and
Alabama were greeted by a dismal pros
pect When they arose this morning. When
Kearsarge Day dawned the rain was fall
ing and a cold wind blew steadily from
the east. Owing to the unpropitious con
dition the committee on arrangements de-
cided TO postpone the ceremonies until 8
o'clock. At that hour the visitors repair
ed to the park where seats had been pro
vided for the speakers and distinguished
guests upon platform.
Mayor Edward E. Mcintyre opened the
proceedings with an address of welcome.
and introduced Gen. Charles H. Burns, of
Wilton, as president of the day. Mr..
Burns spoke of the significance of the oc-
casion, and then presented Miss Mary
Thornton Davis OF Boston, niece of Lieut..
Thornton, executive officer of the old
Kearsarge, and Mrs. Heary Bryan, of Ala
bama, daughter of Rear Admiral Semmes,
of the old Alabama Miss Davis unveiled
the tablet destined for the Alabama, while
Mrs. Bryan performed like act with
that for the Kearsarge.
The presentation address was made by
Governor Rollins, Of New Hampshire. In
speaking TO the captains of the respective
battleships, he said in conclusion:
Il speak for my whole State Captain
Folger, for every smallest mite Of human
ity. for every one of our lusty youth, for
every eentenarian looking the deep sha
dows in the face, when as the chief mag
istrate of the old Granite State, l present
10 you and to your brave shipmates this
beautiful bronze May your ship bear her
self as nohly as our native State has done
through the centuries; may she face the
storms as bravely as the majestic Keas--
sarge. which smiles above the fury OF the
tempest, serene and undisturbed; may her
guns never be fired IN an unjust cause, and
may her Gag lead the way around the
wcrld
Captain Brownson. the State OF New
Hampshire presents to your magnificent
ship this bronze tablet, TO indicate and
typify the reunitinc of our people and as
token OF our friendship for the State of
Alabama. You will see that this tablet is
a scroll supported by two dolphins, which
symbolic the tive ships and support the
upper roll Of the scroll. This upper roll
represents past history, and the poppy
heads denote that all enmity is past and
forgotten. The fasces are syInbolical OF
union In presenting to you this tablet !
an happy &c say that the hearty good
wishes of our people go with it. and that
we shall watch with interest, and / doubt
not with great pleasure. the future course
and achievements Of the vessel.
Secretary Longs Address.
The Secretary OF the Navy responded on
behalf Of the Navy Department in the fol-
lol<ing woTds: s-@
Il deem it an honor that 1t falls to my
lot, in behalf of the Navy of the United
States-the navy and the United States
were never more glorious than now-to
receive from the State OF New Hampshire
this, its beautiful and significant gift to
The battleship Kearsarge. named for one
of its noblest mountains and recalling its
namesake of brilliant memory. 1t is not
the first, but one only OF many contribu-