The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-06-15


ship named In her honor. was formally
presented to the ship today at y. m.
together with bronze tablet OF
Hope" the states motto. set OF
silk flags with which to dress the bat
tleship and a plano for the crew.
The exercises marking the transfer
were participated in by His Excellency
Gov James II. Higgins. former Senator
George Peabody Wetmore and one OF
the largest representations OF state
officials ever seen In the city by the
sea on other than Lection" day.
The tablet Is the gift OF the state the
silver service and the piano were purchas-
ed by public subscription and the flags
were the gift OF the Rhode Island chapter,
Daughters of the American Revolution.
START FROM CITY
The state officials and other guests at
the presentation headed by Cow James
II. Higgins went down from this city on
the gunboat Hist and boarded the Rhode
Island, which was anchored OFF the gov
ernment torpedo station.
The tablet silver service and piano were
presented by the governor TO Capt.
Charles q. Bowman. commander OF the
battleship. The state regent OF the
Daughters OF the American Revolution.
Mrs. Charles Warren LAppitt, made the
address OF presentation OF the flags.
behalf OF the officers and men OF the ship.
A luncheon on board the battleship fol-
lowed the presentation. exercises.
In his address in behalf of the state,
Gov Higgins spoke as follows:
THE GOVERNORS ADDRESS.
Capt Bowman and Gentlemen OF the
Battleship Rhode Island-The occasion
which brings us together this afternoon
Is particularly felicitous 1t indicates
ic nf ha
nlarkarble characteristics OF American
government, viz, the lasting bond of
unity and comfy between nation and
state.
I'm that majestic wisdom which has
ever guided the fathers and leaders OF
this republic the federal government
has honored our commonwealth by man,
ing this matchless engine OF naval de-
fence after our state. The distinguished
consideration thus shown US has not been
unappreciated. We have long felt a
keen and joyous pride In the recognition
extended Representing the grateful citi-
zenship OF Rhode Island we are here to-
day. therefore, TO give expression, to that
appreciation. We rejoice In the action OF
our central government. which has given
additional proof OF It's interest in our
state and OF It's regard for the part our
citizens have played in making the nation
great
Accept, then, for the government of
the United States the gift now fastened
strong on yonder mast May IL serve
to remind the nation OF Rhode Islands
eternal fealty TO the Constitution and
laws OF ths republic: OF our Jealous and
unyielding devotion to the principles Of
free government. May II serve. too, TO
inspire with fervor and patriotism the
boys in biue who live and fight under II !;
and II the dark and dreaded days OF war
fare ever come upon our beloved country,
4 inSDirntiOn
can triumph and bring CONSERVATION and
defeat 10 the hosts OF the enemy.
John Weston has entered suit in the su-
perior court against James McAlonon, TO
recover 5000 for personal injuries. The
plaintiff claims that on May 4. 1907, the
defendant was engaged au $50 Atwells
avenue, taking down a shed and left a
large part OF II standing against a tree
nthe sidewalk. This part OF the shed
was unguardcd and OF great weight
The defendant was lawfully ON the side
walk and without any negligence on his
part the reavy thing fell upon him,
breaking fds nose, dlsiguring HIM for life,
intur1ng his left knee and several ribs
William II. McSoley is attorney for tho
plaintiff.
PROUD OF STATE.
I'm this happy celebration the minds
OF Rhode Islanders turn back with pride
TO the naval history OF our state. The
feats OF bravery and self-sacrince per-
formed by Rhode Islands sons on the
field OF battle have n noble counterpart In
the valor OF her children on the high seas.
We Just glory In the greatness OF Nathan
ael Greene. but his services are none the
less valued when we place laurels upon
the worthy brow OF Commodore Esek
Hopkins. We are proud OF our Burnside,
but we must also feel heart throb OF
satisfaction when we reflect that 50 years
before his time Americas freedom was
re-won, her supremacy on the seas re-
established and the minds Of an anxious
nation set at ease when from far-away
Lake Erie there was flashed TO President
Madison at Washington, the electrifyng
message of Rhode Islands Oliver Hazard
Perry: We have met the enemy and they
are ours
we are pleased to believe that II Is the
record OF our state In the past, the splen-
did achievements OF her sons which have
prompted the government thus slgnally to
dignity US In this manner. The Offering
which we make today Is. in itself. insig-
nincant. IL is the sentiment behind ami
underlying which makes Il notable. IL
represents the bounteous patriotism of n
loyal commonwealth 1T represents the lofty
citizenship and high public character OF
our people,
BELIEVE IN PEACE.
I'VE neither hope for nor cherish mar
tial activities. We believe In war and vlo-
lence only as last resort when all other
human remedies have failed, and when
self-honor and self-defence imperatively
demand a resort TO arms The highest am
bltion we can possibly entertain today IL
that although this splendid battleshlp Is
thoroughly equipped and able for any
emergency. the time will never come when
IL may be necessary TO use IL. Fond as we
are OF seeing our namesake vessel achieve
triumphs on the high seas we are fonder
OF that national tranquility and interna-
tional comfy which make such triumphs
necessary.
And now. Capt. Bowman. In behalf OF
the state OF Rhode Island we ask YOU
20 convey our cordial greetings and graft
tude to our respected president Of the
United States. 10 his brilliant and cour-
e>oila eecretarv OF the navy. and IN the