Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-09-29

came two laberers carrying a tall object,
which was completely hidden from view be-
hind the folds of large American flag
Sergt. Matthew A. Maloney. who served
In New Jersey regiment of volunteers
during the war with Spain, stepped to the
fore and informed Mr.. Ricketts, that the
Spanish War Veterans employed in the
government printing Office had prepared a
surprise for him. Sergt Maloney then pre-
sented to the public printer Mr.. Cliff D.
Scott, who faced the Spanish shrapnel and
rife fire in the Santiago campaign as a
member of the Roosevelt Rough Riders
and who served as Col. Roosevelt's orderly
in the tropics. and Mr.. William G. OCon-
nell. who also served with honor in the
Spanish-American war.
Presentation Speech.
Eve have come here" said Rough Rider
Scott Ito present this soldiers token to
the soldiers friend. 1t is a slight evidence
of the esteem in which you are held. Mr..
Ricketts,, by the American soldiers of ali
wars but particularly those who saw serv-
ice in the late war with Spain. The gray
and grim veterans of the civil war and
the younger ones of the Spanish war have
all felt and appreciated many evidences of
your regard for the men who have fought
the battles of their country under old glory,
and for the right. We want you, Mr..
Ricketts,, to accept this testimonial in the
spirit IL which it is presented. 1t comes
from the heart. Be pleased to accept it
as a heart token to one whose fairness
cannot be questioned. and who endeavors
TO give all square DEAL
At signal from Sergt. NJ A. Maloney
the American flag was withdrawn, disclos-
ing a magnificent floral piece, nearly SIX
feet in height. 1t was a reproduction in
ar,, <,ft BOD
Veterans. Surrounding the badge design
was mass of red and white American
beauty roses on a background of delicate
ferns. while hanging beneath was large
inscribed in letters Of gold, Our Public
Printer"
The badge was In red, white, blue and
bronze immortelles, with a spread eagle at
the top. Hanging from an American flag
was the bronze cross of the Spanish War
Veterans, with inscriptions on It's four arms,
Cuba, the Philippine Islands, Porto Rico.
U. S. a.
Mr.. Ricketts, Reply.
Those who saw this floral piece pro-
nounced Il one of the most artistic and
elaborate they had ever seen
After recovering from his surprise Public
Printer Ricketts, responded TO the senti-
ments that had been expressed by the Span
ish war soldiers who presented him with
II an deeply gratified," he said ITO re-
ceive this splendid token from the Spanish
war Veterans in the government printing
office. ! accept It in the true soldierly spirit
In which you say II is presented, and will
ever cherish the most pleasant memory of
this occasion. l am glad to be known as
the soldiers friend for / have the highest
regard and affection for the men who re-
spoaaed TO the cali of duty in the hour of
their countrys need and placed their lives
on the altar OF this. the grandest, most Just
and bravest land under Gods bright sun
light. thank YOU for this testimonial and
accept II as heart token as You desire"
Capt J. Walter Mitchell, national his
torian OF the United Spanish War Veterans.
who was present. reciprocated the sen1-
meats expressed by his comrades of the
government printing office. He said Mr.
Ricketts, was regarded in all parts of this
country the friend of the soldier-"the
brave old heroes of the sixties as well as
the sturdy young fighters OF 1898"
During the day hundreds of the employees
of the big printing Office f1ocked TO the
Office of Public Printer Ricketts, to see ana
admire the splendid tribute.
Soon after Mr.. Ricketts, appointment as
public printer the watch force of the new
printing office building. composed aimos.
altogether of civil war veterans, presented
him. through Capt. r. b. Harlow. with a
splendid floral tribute, composed of more
than coo roses. and inscribed 1.-THE SOL
diers' Friend.
At the conclusion of the presentation Mr.
Ricketts, expressed his desire to meet the
artist who had designed the piece Se-gt.
o. a. C.. Oehmler. whose handiwork 1t was
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