The age-herald., 1901-03-27
BEAUTIFUL TRIBUTE TO
 THE HEROISM OF ROBSON
Presented With Silver Service
 in His Old Home AN AUSPICIOUS OCCASION
In Accepting the Testimonial Captain Hobson Paid GIowtss Tribute
 To Admiral szmpsan--ssees
 Great Future for f"NRama

Great Future for aE2Ran'a --- Greensboro, March 26.-(Specal)-Of the many honors that have been paid to Capt. Richmond Pearson Hobson, the one most appreciated by him came tonight, of his bravery and heroism, but an act of love for the man from his friends and admirers scattered throughout the Uni ted States.
 In the little village of his birth, the friends who watched him grow to man. hood presented him with a beautiful sil- yer service, "A History in Silver" This 1t may be well termed. for upon each of the pieces is some perfect engraving of the scenes of the daring and brave act in sinking the Merrimac The trap contains the Merrimac steaming into the harbor. the coffee pot the vessel as blown up, the bowl the raft with Hobson and his men clinging and the Spanish boats advancing to the rescue. The spoon pitcher repre- sents cervera rescuing Hobson, the spoonholder his prison in Moro, and the teapot busts of Hobson and his crew.
 The. engraving is a work of art, It's pur- chase was the result of a plan inaugu- rated by Mrs. Mari G. Pickens of Greens boro, who has served as chairman of a committee appointed to raise the fund. No contributions were solicited, but they have come as privileged offerings. It seemed particularly fitting that this serv- ice should have been presented in Greens boro amid the scenes of the hero's youth.
 The Ceremony.
 The ceremonies took place in the beau- tiful little theater, which was all too small to contain the many persons who desired to witness them. The stage was elaborately decorated with flags, bunt- ing and evergreens in nautical designs Upon the stage with Captain Hobson were his father and brother, the Mayor and council and other distinguished citi- zens. The rendition of "The Spar-Span- gled Banner" by a full chorus marked the opening of the exercises. This was followed by a welcome address by Rev. Dr. Otis, the distinguished divine and author.
 The address was peculiarly fitting. Among other things, Dr. Otis said
 Captain Hobson, we do not welcome you back to our midst because you have made your name famous the world around, but because we among whom you grew up know that you are just as in capable of doing anything little or un- generous, unjust or unkind or in any wise unbecoming a gentleman as you are capa- ble of the grandest and most heroic achievements, such as the glorious exploit that has conferred immortal fame upon your name
 '"We welcome you because we know what you are in your personal and pri- vate character-as much true gentleman as you are real hero in your public and official achievements.
 We welcome you because when you come back to us decorated and glorihed in your well-earned and merited fame honored by presidents and potentates and by the people, who are mightier than princes, you walk among us the modest, true-hearted, companionable, hail fellow well met familiar chum and friend that you were while growing up among us. q regard the officers of our American navy as the finest body of able, brave, heroic, loyal and patriotic men that the all-seeing sun of heaven shines upon and all Greensboro is this day proud to well come and to honor her own son, who, while almost the youngest in years, is standing high upon among these noblest men, covered in the glory of his own he- roic deed, just three steps below the very top of the highest naval honor and pow CT within the gift of nations
 Letters of Regret.
 Hon. Thomas E. Knight read letters of regret from Congressman Underwood, Governor Sanford. General Wheeler and Senator Morgan who could not accept in- vitations to be present because of other engagements. Each letter contained the highest praise for Hobson. | Solos were eharmingly rendered by Mrs. | Castleman and Mrs. Knight and Rev. pr. | Cobbs turned the service over to E. w.
 
 tain Hobson in the absence of Governor | Sanford.
 r. Dr. Cobbs told of the movement which | led to the purchase of the service, and added words of high praise to the per sonal character of Captain Hobson. Mr. DeGraffenried's presentation speech was the rhetorical gem encased in beau tiful flowers. He said the service was not tribute to the courage and bravery of Captain Hobson, but one of love. It was modest, but rich in memories; a token of affection from the people of his home, where flowers for him shall ever blossom. The service was presented as a sift of love from the hearts of lovers. Captain Hobson Responds. | When Captain Hobson arose to respond the appaluse was deafening for several moments. He thanked his friends for the warm. cordial and generous greeting, and said that while long separated from his home he loved its every house, tree, road, hill and vale He referred to the great