The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-25

detail under the belching baptism of Spanish guns, he added new and death- less chapter to the history of that memorable struggle, and wrote the name of a wrothy son of Alabama high up in the cathedral of earthly fame.
 And if Captain Hobson has been indis- erect If he has manifested too keen an appreciation of the ineffable benefactions which flow from the pomegranate cor nucopia of womans lips. then, he who is without offence ought to cast the first stone. l sometimes think that if pas time. proclaimed by common rumor to be so ecstatiC. is d sin, 1t must have been by that sin that the angels fell"
 What of the women of Alabama? Again I turn from the undimmed lustre which crowns the women of the past as though with a halo of unfading glory. and cite another chapter of the Spanish-American war which, to my mind, is as grand an illustration of superb selfsacrtice fidcl- ity to duty, love of humanity and genuine patriotism as ever illuminated the proud record of nations glory. l point you to a modest female fgure-smail, delicate, almost fragile-but with a heart as fear less and a soul as strong as ever in- Spired a patriot to deeds of daring, quiet ly going forth to meet the lurking dan gers of disease and death at Santiago. Amid scenes of sorrow, agony and blood, she stood as a ministering spirit; sur rounded by the pandemonium of war, she walked as a sweet angel of peace; bind
 
 derest touch soothing, with gentle hand, his burning brow. leaning to catch the whispered message from his dying lips, undsmayed by the thunder of artillery and the roar of battle. she never flinched nor faltered III that divine mission of mercy and humanity to which God AL mighty had inspired her. And I thank God that those noble achievements have enshrined in the hearts of grateful peo- Ile the name of Alabama's .ncompara- ble daughter-MiSs Annie Wheeler.
 Such is the State, and such her people. in honor of whom this noble battleship is called.
 Proud, indeed. are we that the Alabama Is the perfected product of the modern shipbuiider's art, and stands as a splen- did type of that new navy which ought to be the boast of every citizen who loves his country. We today salute the wis dom of those far-sighted statesmen who, twenty years ago, gazed into the horo- tion, and sounded q note of protest against the spirit of national improV dence which opposed an adequate navy to uphold our international prestige and who inaugurated an Intelligent and sue cessful movement for the regeneration of that indispensable branch of govern mental power Every true American must applaud the administrative policy meut on the seas shall be sufficient to serve notice on Chrlstendom of our trans cendant greatness as nation, and to let 1t be known among the other world powers that if peace cannot be enforced, we are prepared for war.
 And now, my fellow Alabamians you have entrusted to me the pleasing task the exalted duty of presenting this hand some testimonial in your behalf, to the naval namesake of our beloved Stale. Designed by one of our own great-heart- ed citizens, to whom every aest hetic curve and every artistic ornamentatlon was a Veritable labor of love, and fashioned with surpassing skill. this service is an earnest of the genuine affection of all our citizens.
 Permit me to say that our sense of qualification is an hundred fold enhanced by reason of the fact that the Alabama Is comman anded by the genial and gallant officer who has brought her to our doors. Captain Davis Is no stranger to Mobile. We recall, with exceeding viVldness and pleasure, a former time when he com manded the cruiser Montgomery, on an occasion similar to this. and, by his splendid personality, his inborn ChiValry, stormed the citadel of our peoples hearts. Born in New England, with proud record of forty years in his country's service, during which time. his signal. though youthful. gallantry in the civil war. and his recent conspicuous service in the war with Spain. have placed him in the forefront among the commanders of our newer navy, We are proud of the fact that, by his own special request he today commands the Alabama! And we are prouder still. on this gala day, to welcome him and his brilliant coterie of officers to the hearts and homes and firesides of generous and hospitable people.
 Sir. even though I were capable of flashing the searchlight of genius across all the fields of human thought I could not embody the message Of my people in more hitting speech than you will read in the brief Inscription which the service