Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-01-25

LIE EV EN1NG SIAf
his very dash and spirit laid them low And
yet. who has given a sword or spread a
feast to that purest flame of chivalrous he
roism Richard Wainwright
But. my friends, as has been the history
OF naval heroes in the past so there the
labors OF the sailor were not TO cease with
victory.
Opened the Way for Army.
= But few days passed by when we find
the little Gloucester engaged as part
of the naval force conveying the army of
General Miles to Porto Rico The point
chosen for the descent upon that island was
the land-locked Bay of JuaAica, on its
southwestern coast, which was reached on
July 25 1905
Wainwright, prompt and ever ready
sought from Captain Higginson, the senior
omcer, permission to try the passage of the
entrance. and he dashed into the bay. which
1t was thought the Spaniards had guarded
pedoes: but so swift was the move that
the Gloucester was soon out of sight be-
hind the hills, and the suffering of her
rapid-hre guns quickly told that VAIN
wright was busy. Then in sailed the fleet
to find that the Gloucesters boats had
landed and driven the Spaniards from the
block house, and, aided by the guns from
the yacht, were driving them to the hills,
holding the landing until the troops could
land and take possession and control the
District volunteers in the lead.
This demonstration of promptness, dash
skill and courage has been most favorably
commented upon by the naval officers. 1t
was an exploit witnessed by our District
volunteers from the deck of the transport
Lampasas, their cheers then been echoed
back from the hillsides of Porto Rico as
they sought to tell how they admired the
brilliant work of the Gloucester and the
dash and daring of her gallant Captain
Wainwright.
AS an eye witness has described it, the
Gloucester dashed into the harbor alone
and as fearlessly as If Wainwright thought
she was the whole strength of the United
States navy.
so we find that on three separate occa-
sions during our recent and happily ended
troubles with Spain have the conspicuous
ability, courage, skill and daring Of our
admiration of his superiors and Of our
whole people.
A Right to BE Proud of Him.
Have we not right to be proud of
Richard Wainwright a native born citizen
of this city of Washington?
That is name to remember. His hon.
ored father. a captain in our navy, had
given his life to his country-ln front of the
batteries off New Orleans in 1862.
The second of the name is before us to-
day.
THE third of the name is in training at
the Naval Academy, with his fathers
grand career to spur him on to success.
I'VE know your native modesty, my dear
Captain Wainwright, and it is most becom-
ing but when your fellow citizens claim the
right to tell you of their admiration and
affectionate regard for you You must sim
ply stand up and take 1t. This Is their
right and your due.
And now, in discharge of the duty de-
volved upon me, that you may the more
treasure testimonial to you for your
lN-t11 tn l.
fies me that this sword shall reach your
hands from those Of the honorable Secre-
tary of the Navy, who knows and honors
you for what you have done under MS ad-
ministration of our naval service.
Presentation of the Sword.
Mr. Sands remarks, which had been
heartily punctuated with applause through
out, were loudly applauded when he con-
cluded. AS silence was restored, Secretary
Long rose from his seat, and, advancing to-
ward Mr.. Sands, received from the latter
the sword of honor Commander VAIN
wright rose at the same time and faced the
Secretary, who presented him the sword
in the few but potent sentences with which
this report begins. The cheers that greeted
the compliment were lusty, and among
them the feminine treble could be heard
ringing vibrantly.
Mr.. Edison then introduced Gen. George
H. Harries. He said:
The arrangements for this occasion were
entered into with earnestness and good
will. and the contributions to the committee
were so many and generous that they
far exceeded the amount necessary as orig
inally planned. To enable other citizens to
join, additional testimonial has been
provided. A citizen of Washington, who
participated in the Santiago campaign, on
land. as colonel of the LIST District of Co
lumbia Volunteers, and who is also an
active member of the committee on ar
engagements, Gen. George II. Harries, will
make the presentation.
Gen. Harries Presents the Silver.
General Harries, his hand resting upon
an American flag, which covered table,
said:
Commander Wainwright: 1t is not all
of life to fight There are times in the his
tory of a nation and circumstances In the
career of man when the warrior and the
sword are essential. There are also periods
when warriors may rest and when swords
have merely sentimental value.
The world loves the fighting man, but
incessant pugnacity Is troublous and weari-
some, so the world looks with satisfaction
upon him who has earned the right to
enjoy the pleasures of that home of which
he has often dreamed between the combats
of his campaigns.
You are now fully equipped for strife.
Let us add a few trifes to your equipment
for peace; trifies which will be cherished by
the hearts that are in your heart; trifles
in which is insufficient expression of the
community affection which focuses on you,
yet ilumines those who are your nearest
and dearest.
"And when to you shall come the twi-
light of days-when the sword shall repose
within its scabbard and when the mighty
deeds to which IL testifes Ire glorious men,
cries of year long past-then may these
purely domestic contributions constantly
remind you Of the love and admiration
with which We of your native city regard
you and all that is yours
AS he concluded Gen. Harries pushed back
the flag and disclosed the oak chest con-
tanning the beautiful silver service of six
pieces which the committee had secured to
present in addition to the sword.
When Commander Wainwright arose TO
accept the tributes the audience broke into
applause that will be ever memorable to
those who were present and shared in It,,
as all did. Again and again the cheers
broke cut, and fair hands f1uttered hand
kerchiefs until they were wearied.
Commander Wainwrisht's Response.
When quiet was restored Commander
Wainwright said:
Mr. Secretary, gentlemen and citizens:
1 trust you will not measure the depth Of
my gratitude for the honor you have
done me by the few words that l shall
say. Were 1 gifted with all the ability of
an orator l could but family express my
feelings and the sense of appreciation L