Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-11-21
SILVER SERVICE EXERCISES
Large Party Present To-day when
Presentation was Made 10
Batteship Connecticut
GOVERNOR ROBERTS SPEECH

New York, Nov 21.--Governor
Henry Roberts OF Connecticut and a
delegation of $50 state and city OH
cials presented to the battleship Con-
necticut solid silver service of thir-
ty-six pieces at the Brooklyn navy
yard to-day. At the same time Rev
George d. Egbert Of Norwalk pre-
sented to the battleship stand OF
colors as the gift of the school chill
dren Of Norwalk. Governor Roberts
in his address Of presentation spoke
as follows:
The special train which
carried Governor Roberts and
the large number of Connecticut
citizens to New York for the presen-
tation exercises on the battleship Con-
necticut In the Brooklyn navy yard,
left Hartford at o'clock. The train
made stops at Berlin, Meriden, New
Haven, Bridgeport, South Norwalk,
Stamford and Greenwich In this state
and picked up number Of citizens
at each place. Two hundred and fifty
invitations had been sent out and a
large majority Of them had been ac-
cepted.
The Connecticut delegation reached
the navy yard In Brooklyn at 1:15.
lunch being served on the transfer
steamer. At the close Of the presen-
tation exercises an opportunity was
given the delegation to inspect the
battleship and visit points on interest
in the navy yard.
The commission on the purchase
Of the silver service for the great bat
tleship comprised the following: Gov
nernor Roberts, Henry G. Dwight.
Francis B. Allen, William A. King,
Ashahel w. Mitchell and James F.
Walsh.
Governor Roberts said: "Connec-
ticut has been greatly honored by the
naming Of this largest battleship of
the United States navy. Her people
appreciate the compliment that has
been paid them by this act of the
navy department. The vessels bear
ing the states name engaged In gov
ernment service have been four In
number, namely, the first schooner
rugged craft that participated in the
first fleet action In which the United
States navy was engaged; the second,
sloop of war built In 1798: the
third, q steamer Of 1.700 tons dis
placement. and to-day the $4,000
tons battleship on whose deck we
stand. -f-'e7 ~
The FIRST Connecticut was engaged
in the memorable, naval battle on
Lake Champlain, October 11-13.
1916. In the naval war against
France, 179S-1S01, the second Con-
necticut was employed. She was
built in Middletown, Conn, and cost
$4,000. The third Connecticut was
a supply steamer in use In the civil
war for transporting supplies and the
carrying Of sick and wounded sol
Tiers, costing 100000; was heavily
armed and rendered eflcient service
IN chasing blockade runners and In |
taking part in bombardments. The
present battleship Is the most COM
pletely equipped and modernized OF
my Of the warships Of the United /
States navy, and built In the govern
nent yard. adds distinct honor to
he state to which her name has been
given. The limit Of cost Of this great
lighting machine was set by the gov
,rnment at over $4.000.000. exclu-
i've Of armor.
In this brief review Of the ships
,earing the name Of our common
wealth, We note that the state has
lad an honorable record In her as
istance for the defense Of our coun-
ry In times Of crisis. and also evil
Iences the great advance that has
'een made in the art of shipbuilding.
which has kept pace with the rapid
rowth Of our country in material
wealth and In the other arts and SCI
nces.
Every citizen OF our union of
tates Is proud OF our present navy
nd Connecticut is Justly proud that
er name has been placed on the
argest ship OF this well organized
nd well managed department of our
ational government. and Is especial
y gratified In the happy and timely
oincident that her able commander.
aptain William Swift. Is a native
orn and bred Connecticut man. The
ict that the shield and emblem of
be Constitution" state Is to be dis
layed on the high seas on this noble
hip IL one that appeals strongly TO
citizens.
Appreciating the meaning and sig
ificance OF this act by the honorable
OF the navy. and In recog- ,
ition Of IL, the people Of Connecticut
y the last general assembly appoint
a commission and voted a sum to ,
E set apart for the procuring OF
litable gift for this ship. This has
ken form In the choice and ornate
liver service now on view. The state
Connecticut presents this service
, the battleship with the compii- Z
ents OF her people taivays staunch
nd patriotic supporters OF the ma I
onai governmentl. believing. SIR.
tat not only under your command as II
loyal Connecticut son-but always
nder other ofheers-she will do z
Dnor to the state and defend and q
lfeeuard the Interests OF our nation a
/ whatever seas she may sail: and Z
ay the protection implied IN the
otto OF the commonwealth ever fol-
~ her az Il had our beloved state
In the name and behalf Of the peo-
e Of Connecticut. ] ask you. Captain