Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-13
REPRESENTATIVE Watson's Theme.

The soldiers and sailors of the great army
and navy of '61'e5 formed the theme for an
eloquent address by Representative James
r. Watson of Indiana Mr.. Watson spoke
of the spirit which animated the men IN
'76 and the principle fought for in I'll. In
the former period, he said. the Americans
were fighting for their own liberty. In u
thew fought for the liberty of people
within their borders. He said this spirit
still animates the people of America, ana
that years have not dimmed It's power. IN
'9S the sons of the men of 81 had marched
forth to war this time for the same prin-
chile. only they fought In a foreign country
against a foreign foe to preserve the liberty
of a foreign people. From this, he said
some idea can be gained of the spread OF
the pr;ncple of liberty and justice.
Secretary William H. Taft was next in
troduced. Gov. Taft said he had received
an Invitation to the dinaer on his arrival
from the Philippines, and that he nad ac-
cepted the oaths of three gentlemen that he
would not be required to speak He said
he was glad to be given an opportunity to
talk with men who had lately been under
the dominion OF the department OF WhiCn
he was the titular head He felt himself
fortunate, he said, in coming into the de-
partment as the. successor of Elihu Root.
! Root he declared, bad introduced con-
structive policy, and mad done more Ior the
pied the Office of War Secretary. This SEN
timent was applauded heartily.
Iincoln's Name Revered.
Mr. J. J. Jdsserand. ambassador to the
United States from France told the men,
hers of the order and their guests of the
reverence felt in France for the name Of Lin
coin. The people Of our sister republic in
Europe regard, LINCOLN SO highly that the
municipal authorities of Paris have named
a stree. in his hanor, Washington and
Franklin being the only other Americans to
have such an honor conferred upon them.
! The Chinese minister. Sir Cheniung
| Lang Cheng, when called upon for few
words told his hearers, much to their sur
prise. of his friendship for General Sher-
man, and his meeting with Generals Grant
and Sheridan. Sherman took a fancy to
/ him. he said when he was stationed at the
| Chinese legation here In the early SOS, and
| FREQUENTLY told him what good soldier he
:, would make. The generals estimate re-
mains improved to this day, however, the
| minister declared in conclusion.
An ex-eommandey of the order, ex-Sena.
! tor Charles r. Henderson of Nebraska, was
| next introduced. Senator Henderson m lde
| a very short address, which was principally
/ devoted to "reminiscences. He was follow ed
| by Representative Crumpacixers of Indiana,
/ who merely greeted the menlbers OF the
| order and asked to be excused. During the
/ evening a number of patriotic songs were
| sung. copies Of the words Of which were
placed at each plate with the menu, and
| when Representative Crumpacker had
| taken his seat the postmaster announced
| that the program being completed the ceFe-
! monies for the evening would close with the
| singing of America.
The arrangements for the dinner were UNI
der the personal direction Of M1Jor Huy-
ford, recorder of the 0rdsr, who secured the