The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-04-28
TRIBUTE
TO The
NAVY
Rev. G. A. Crawford Makes a
Most Interesting Address 3d.
fore the UniYarSaIiSt Club.

The annual dinner OF the Unlversalist
club was held last evening and proved
one OF the most successful and interest
ing in the history OF the club. There
was a large attendance, including many
ladies An elaborate menu was served
and on it's conclusion the regular pro-
gram was opened by President John NJ.
Bufnnton, who introduced Vice President
Herbert l. Blake as POSTMASTER. The
Schuman Male Quartet had several num-
bers on the program, while instrumental
music was provided by the Wellington
orchestra under Bowen II. Church.
Rev. George A. Crawford, a retired
chaplain OF the United States navy, was
the speaker of the evening. his subject
being, "Our Navy and Why IL Won"
The reverend speaker opened with
series OF anecdotes, and, growing serious,
he said that after each war In the past
the navy had been allowed 20 deteriorate.
especially after the Civil war, so that
when the Spanish war broke out the
navy was unprepared. Yet the American
navy had always risen 20 the occasion.
He paid particular attention 10 the
battles OF Manila bay and Santiago and
declared they were so wonderful that I'm
the coming centuries the existing ac-
counts OF them would hardly be- believed.
In each case the fleet of one great nation
side. there was not a ship harmed. Hun
dreds were killed and hundreds wounded
on one side, with hardly any loss on the
other side. Yet the wonderful story OF
Manila bay and the wonderful story of
Santiago were not accidents or miracles,
but we're wha people had right TO ex-
pect X they regarded the naval history of
the United States They were the result
Of long experience. After speaking OF
the brilliant record OF people on these
shores In naval battles, from before the
Revolution down TO the present time, the
speaker told what Admiral Sampson had
done for the efficiency of the navy.
among other things, that 70 per cent OF
the guns OF the ships off Santiago were
from his plans. In conclusion, he
said: 'If you could see all the orders
that were given by him and take all these
things into consideration, you could not
help thinking that the man who did so
much 10 create the navy and assure its
success was entitled 10 the credit Of tho
victory"
superintendent Small spoke for the
public schools. saying that the teaching
OF patriotism in the public schools made
the success OF the navy possible The
man behind the gun had gone up through
the public schools. The patriotism OF
the American schools is taught by the
little American flag hanging somewhere
in the school. 1t is putting into the
children the greatest love for that little
silken banner that can be found any
where In the world.
Hon. Adm b. Capron. the concluding
speaker, said In part: '"rhe recent hap
penings In Venezuela taught US that the
navy makes for peace. The nations of
the world have come to respect the
American navy, and IL has taken its place
as perhaps the leading live navy in the
world. The nations are glad 10 take into
account the United States. Whether we
like II or not wore a world power.
We've got 10 accept the responsibility.
AS a member of congress( I'm going TO
vote to keep on building ships, for l be-
lieve they make for peace and righteous
ness"