Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1901-02-21
FINE SWORD POR(VANS
lowans Present Commander Of
the Iowa With q Handsome
Weapon.
The Sword Presented at a Gath
erins Of Friends Last
Night.
Evans Makes a Happy Response
TO the Presentation
Speech.


Evans, u. S. N, was Last night present
ed with a handsome sword, the git OF T
the citizens of Iowa in recognition Of the
services rendered his country while III
command of the battleslip Iowa at
Santiago on July B. 1888. The mem bers
of the Iowa delegation with their fami-
lies and number of naval officers att
tended the presentation at the Evans
|nome, 324 Indiana avenue. The sword,
which is, valued at $1,000 was pur-
chased thru the agency of the CONNER
lcal exchange of Dies Moines with mon
ey contributed by the citizens OF Iowa.
Speaker Henderson made the presen-
tation speech. Il
When the guests arrived they We're
greeted BY Representative Hull, Who
introduced each to Captain and Mrs
Evans. During the presentation g p-
tain Evans stood beneath the ensign
which flew from the mast head OF the
Iowa at the battle of Santiago
Representative Hull gave brief
sketch of the gift and handed it to-
Speaker Henderson. who turned to Cap
tain Evans and said in part:
TO me has been assigned the pleas
ant duty Of presenting to You this
sword. 1t comes from warm, apprecia-
tive noble hearts in Iowa, to be pre-
! sented to you as a token of their ap-I
| probation of your valor and also to
4 testify their love for and Lsvotion to
American heroes of the sea Of which
clase you are a beloved and conspicu-
ous example. L find upon examination
that your record is as foliows'''
Speaker Henderson then read Cap
Itain Evans record. which showed that
The was the commander of the Iowa
from March 1895 until September of
the same year. Continuing, Speaker
Henderson said:
Your high courage and character can
be Well inferred from this glorious rec
FORD The name of Bob Evans is a
househeld WORD in the United states
1 The opinion OF your fellow officers
places you foremost among our heroes
of the deep. Iowa is proud Of you and
symbolizes her affection by presenting
/ you this sword. knowing that YOU will
i never use it for any other purpose than
to maintain the honor Of the United
j States
land then replied in Characteristic
.Gentlemen of the Iowa delegation:
NJ aking speeches. . you all possibly
! know, is not my trade. wish it We're.
for this occasion at least, that i might
tell you in fitting words how grateful
81 / am for the honor you have done me
and bow entirely appreciate the sen
/ tilnent of those who have sent this
!. sword.
The beautiful battleship named after
your gree; commonwealth, and mich
4 thru the courteSy8o the secretary OF the
d navy, 1 had the honor to command dur-
u ing the Spanish war, WAS manned by
: SOC officers and men. They We're as
bravta band as ever fought for the dear
i old flag. and ii vas what they did that
a brings me this token of the good will
of Your people.
.sAs the commander of the gallant
5crew of the Iowa, | accept this beauti-
tuI sword. You could not give a token
s TO each Of them, therefore this one 10
me. They are scattered over the waters
!, of the east, but the heart Of each Will
warm with pride and gratitude when
& he learns that one OF their number has
been honored. 1 hope that some day
the national congress Will suitably rec
8 ognize the gallant conduct of each one
. OF my comrades, and that the day may
not be fan, distant.
= beg You to convey to Your people
the expression of my heartfelt thanks
and gratitude.
The sword was contained in birds
eye maple case highly polished. Ii Was
made by Tiffany, New York The
/; sacabbard is of gun metal artistically
etched in gold. The guard bears the
names of the various ships Captain
Evans commanded. including the Iowa.
Opposite which is engraved: