The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1900-09-18
Notable Gathering at Portsmouth t(
Witness Ceremony--The Storm
Caused Delay in Exercises.

Portsmouth, n. H., Sept. 1s.-Fathoms
deep OF the French coast repose the
bones OF the famous confederate cruiser
Alabama; thousands OF miles away on a
lone reef In the Caribbean sea are the
remains OF her equally famous conqueror
the Kearsarge
Today the modern steel clad namesakes
OF these old antagonists, through the
courtesy OF the state in which the victor
had her birth, were presented with bronze
tablets, commemorative Of that historic
combat but more especially indicating a
reunited nation.
II was considered fitting by those at
the head OF the movement that an occe-
sion or such historical character should
be made memorial by the presence of
high officials, not only from this state
but from Washington and from the other
commonwealth, the name OF which is
associated with the great marine battle.
Accordingly the governor OF New
Hampshire and the governor of Alabama,
the present secretary OF the navy and
his immediate predecessor were here to-
day TO speak fitting words, while two Ia
dies, near relatives Of prominent officers
In unveiliag thetablets. which were pre-
seated 10 the great ships.
Not less notable. however was the
presence OF dozen or more veterans
IRON the famous combatants, grizzled
men who ~ years ago fought each other.
bat who now united In the great celebra-
tion. With few exceptions they were the
sole survivors of the Kearsargc- Alabama
conflict.
IN contrast with th-t of the aged men
were the appearance OF lines of sailors
from the Goth century battleships OF the
North Atlantic squadron, which were
swinging In the tide Of the bay while
tho exercises on shore were being carried
out tt
Tits feet included the flagship New
York battleships Massa chusetts. In
diana. Texas, hentucky and Kearsarge
and the torpedo boat Scorpion. The Ala
hama not being In commission could not
be with the fleet 10 receive her tablet,
but her future commander. Capt /, am
~. Brownson. was present and accepted
the gift after Capt Foger commanding
the Kcararge had performed similar
act In behalf OF his vessel.
The committee I'm charge Of the pre-
scntation suffered two disappontments
President Mckinley who ~ first was cx-
Wftt't W pt fIfStnN subsequently, WHS
compelled 10 decline the invitation. be-
cause OF the pressure OF official business,
while unexpected delays kept the Ala
bama from having her speed trial until
late IN August. and prevented her from
going into commission In time TO joiu the
squadron, for this event.
For many weeks. the preparations for
the celebration have been I'm progress i,nd
as The developments in the plans have
been made public interest an the even.
has grown until hundreds had 'ternined
TO attend the ceremony. Carrying out
these intentIons crowds OF vi,io-s came
here today and with the citizens of Ports
mouth entered into the enjoyment OF tn
day.
After a very tempestuous night. during
which n raincd heavily and a strong
northwest gale blew the sky this morn
i,E was cloudy and dun
meeting % the committee having
charge OF the celebration was held at the
Rockingham 20 decide whether the formal
presentation exercises should bc hello dur