The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-05-17

II is only once in a lifetime that men
brave that risk their own lives in the
saving of others, have the high privilege
of witnessing and taking part either di-
rectly or indirectly. in exercises such as
occurred at the First Baptist church at
Block Island last evening.
The occasion was the public presenta-
ton of life-saving medals and resolu-
tions of thanks 10 the crews OF the Block
Island Fishing fleets for the heroic ser
vices given by them at the heartrending
and never-to- -be-forgotten Larchmont dis
aster which took place on the morning
of Feb. H. last The captain and crews
OF the Elsie" CLARA e.. Theresa
"w. T. Dodge" ''E. II. Small and Lit
tie Fred were the objects or aff-prafse
last evening and no wodrs can fully do
Justice to the valor that men OF the sea
who. at the risk OF their own lives, braved
the raging main wind and bitter cold TO
bring sucor to those survivors, and 10
secure the bodies OF those who were so
unfortunate as 10 have perished.
IT was most representative party that
went from this city 10 Block Island on
the New Shoreham yesterday morning
composed of Gov. Higgins. state and fed
eral officers. being in charge OF George
w. Gardiner, collector OF customs Tor
the Providence district. The journey
was made without incident, other than
n few cases OF NAL de mare and about
3 o'clock the dsembarkment at the Island
was made and soon the party was COM
fortably quartered at the National hotel
through the kindness of Representative
Ray c. Lewis. at the hospitable home ot
Captain and Mrs. "Tal" Dodge, and at
the Surf house. Mrs. Willis. proprietress.
MEMORABLE EVENT.
The party were then taken out for a
ride in carriages. and the citizens OF the
island all Joined in the entertainment
and could not do enough for the visitors.
II was a memorable occasion for BLOCK
Island. and was indeed ono that Will al
ways remain a most pleasant memory
with those who assembled In the church
last evening at the hour Of $, even though
tht occasion recalled an event that was
depressing Yet the officials and the large
audience which completely flled the
First Baptist church were there 10 honor
the llving-those examples OF men who
should stand as a type for American
manhood and 10 whom their home rco-
pie. the state and the nation gladly do
honor. Probably never In the history or
New England and, assuredly not Rhode
Island. has there ever been "A like occa-
sion IL was a proud moment for the
sturdy heroes. but at the same time IL
was Just as proud a moment Tor those
who were present or instrumental In Civ
ing pratse and honor where both are due.
The captain and crew OF the Elsie were
naturally the pTturTpTrt-1 for t was -effefff
who rescued the eight who were being
washed out 20 sea on a raft; but never.
theless the intentions OF the masters and
crews OF the other vessels, the Clara r.,
Theresa. w. T. Dodge. y. ". Snead and
Little Fred are IN no degree less COM
mendable for they. too. nobly assisted IN
tho rescue OF the bodies from which life
had vanished Not 90 be overlooked either
were the honorary certificates, Elan Lit
tleaeld. John Sheffield. Dr. r. w. Lara
bee Edward Henry. Arthur Sheffield.
Samuel Hayes and Charles Littleheld. fol-