The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-02-21
A SWORD FOR CAPTAIN EVANS
The People of Iowa Pay n Tribute to
the Naval officer.


the Naval officer.
Capt Robley D. Evans, U. s. n, was
last night presented with a handsome
sword the gift Of the citizens of Iowa in
appreciation of the services rendered his
country while in command of the battle
ship Iowa at Santiago de Cuba on july
g. 1898 The members of the Iowa Con
gressional delegation, their families, and
e number of naval officers attended the
presentation ceremony at tie Evans
home, Indiana Avenue. The sword, the
value of which is about 81, SOC, was pr
chased with money contributed for the
purpose to the Commercial Exchange, of
Des Moines. Representative Hull pre-
scented the sword to Speaker Henderson
on behalf of that organization, and Mr.
Henderson in turn presented it to Cap
tain Evans on behalf of the people OF the
Hawkeye State.
When the guests arrived they were
greeted by Representative Hull, who in
trOduced each one to Captain Evans. who
was assisted in receiving by Mrs. Evans
During the presentation Captain Evans
stood beneath the ensign of the battle
ship Iowa which flew at Santiago. Rep
resentative Hull briefly gave the history
of the sword and handed it to Speaker
Henderson, who said:
ITO me has been assigned the pleasure
of presenting to you this sword. 1t comes
from warm, appreciative, noble hearts
of Iowa, to be presented to you as
token of their appreciation of your valor
and also to testify their love for and de-
votion to American heroes of the sea,
of which class you are a beloved and
conspicuous example"
MIR. Henderson then read Captain
Evans record. which showed that he was
the commander of the Iowa from March,
| 1898. until September of the same year.
Continuing, Mr.. Henderson said:
Your high courage and character can
be well inferred from this glorious rec
ord. The name of Bob Evans is a house
hold word in the United States. The
opinions of your fellow officers place
you foremost among our heroes of the
deep. Iowa is proud of you, and sym
bolizes her affection by presenting You
this sword, knowing that you will never
use ii for any purpose other than to
maintain the honor Of the United States"
Captain Evans accepted the sword and
then replied in a characteristic manner.
He said:
Making speeches, as you all probably
know, is not my trade. ! wish it We're,
for this occasion at least, that I might
tell you in fitting words how grateful l
am for the honor you have done me, and
| how entirely | appreciate the sentiment of
those who have sent this sword.
The beautiful battleship named after
your great Commonwealth and which,
| through the courtesy of the Secretary of
the Navy, l had the honor to command
| during the Spanish war, was manned by
Of nd hrax n
a band as ever fought for the dear old
| flag. and il was what they did that brings
me this token OF the good will of your
| people.
las the commander Of the gallant crew
| of the Iowa / accept this beautiful
| sword. You could not give q token to
| each of them, therefore this one to me.
| They are scattered over the waters of the
earth, but the hearts of each will warm
with. pride and gratitude when he learns
that one of their number has been so
| honored l hope that some day the Ma
| tional Congress will suitably recognize
the gallant conduct of each one of my
comrades, and that the day may not be
| far distant.
Il beg to convey to your people the ex-
preston of my heartfelt thanks and graft
! tude."
The sword was contained in q birdseye
maple case highly polished. 1t was made
| by Tiffany. The scabbard is of gun steel
! artistically etched in gold. The guard
bear the names of the various ships cap
| tain Evans commanded. including The
Iowa, opposite which is engraved "Santi-
ago July. 1898"
The blade of the sword Is engraved with
the following inscription. From the cit
liens OF Iowa. to Capt. Robley D. Evans
| commander of the battleship Iowa, in
| recognition of his services to his country
| at Santiago, Cuba, July 3, 1885, All the
| guards and the hilt are Of solid gold
| Letters of regret were read from eX-
President and Mrs. Cleveland, Secretary
| Long. Admiral Sampson, and number OF
others. at not being able to attend the pre-
| sentation ceremony.
Those present were:
| Secretary Wilson. Representative and
| Mrs Hull, Representative and Mrs. Lane
| Representative and Mrs. Thomas. Frank
| Thomas. Miss Thomas. Representative
! and Mrs. Lacey, the Misses Lacey, Rep
| resentative and Mrs. Hedge, Representa-
| tive Rumple. Representative Smith, Rep
| resentative Wadsworth OF New York
| Mrs SChenck. Mr.. and Mrs. Fred Nc
! CURE. Miss Kibbey, Mrs. Stephenson, Mr.
| and Mrs. c. C. Glover, Mr.. and Mrs. Cal
derou Carlisle ana Miss Carlisle. Mrs. Fol
| ger, Miss McCala, Mr.. and Mrs. George
| Evans. Mr.. c. w. Coleman, Mr.. Joseph
| Mcclure and Miss Mcclure, and Capt
| Thomas Perry.
Ask for the pride Of Washington Hcurich'
Maerzen Beer-at all leading hotels and restau