The San Francisco call., 1908-05-09
GIVE NEBRASKA
SILVER SERVICE
Governor Sheldon and Delega-
ton From Prairie State Show
Great Enthusiasm


the people Of the interior were lacking
in enthusiasm regarding the United
states navy was almost eliminated yes
terday afternoon when 200 representa-
tives OF the state of Nebraska. .headed
by Governor George L. Sheldon. pre-
sented to The battleship Nebraska
beautiful silver service, the stale and
national colors and a large bible.
The ceremony OF presentation in
itself was without note. differing IN no
wise from other gifts OF like charac-
ter, but the attention was attracted by
the remarkable enthusiasm OF the
donors, the spirit OF loyalty and pa
triotism which permeated the entire
proceedings.
The whole was rampant American
ism. They spoke OF our" navy in a
manner almost truculent. as IL defying
any man living TO take from them one
iota OF the glory OF American citizen
ship They were emphatic in their de-
msnds for bigger. and better navy.
and what IN some instances might
have been considered as spreadeagle-
ism. they accepted as simple truths,
sppiauding with the Figor OF the prairie
born. II mattered not that but few
had seen the sea before and that fewer
still had trod the decks OF an American
watshtp. They claimed their own with
an Inspiring tenacity-
NO LACK OF ENTHUSIASM
Lack OF enthusiasm II those who
have any misgivings on that point
could have observed the serious faces
grouped around the shimmering colors,
could have heard the shout for their
country or watched the slight fush
tinEe their faces as the marine hand
clashed out the simple air OF the Star
Spangled Banner" their doubts would
have vanished on the instant.
The charm Of the event lay in it's
wonderful simplicity. The entire ships
strength was draw up on the quarter
deck. which had been decorated with
greenery and draped with the national
cOlors. Reposing on draped stand was
the silver service and near II were
the coiors given by the Daughters Of
the American Revolution OF Nebraska,
guarded by a detachment OF marines
A sharp bugle call opened the cere-
monial The Nebraskans. who had been
looking over the ship. took UP their
positions on the Quarterback and Gov
ernor- Sheldon stepped forward TO make
the presentation.
WITH NEHRASKA's GREETINGS
We come with greetings from Ne
brzaka," said he. with greetings TO
the of1cers and men Of the battfeship
Nebraska It Is a great event for US
OF the interior TO see this wonderful
armament. lying around US and from
the sight We viii receive an inspiration
which will make US better citizens
y was somewhat surprised to hear
at q recent banquet IN San Francisco
that the people OF the interior we're
lukewsrm in the aims Of a bigger and
better navy I say here that as far as
the people OF Nebraska are concerned
we desire to see navy strong enough
and big enough for any and every pur-
pose. but primarily for the great pur-
pose OF insuring peace. I feel sure
that the state represent is with me in
my utterance, and one OF the most
pleasing things I have learned since
coming to San Francisco is that the
sailors hailing from the interior rank
among the best in the United States
navy. Should the need arise I am con-
hdent that my countrymen from Ne
braska will give their full quota OF re-
crufts. 10 the service
This silver service" he continued.
lis a token from US 1t is TO remind
you that the people Of Nebraska are
thinking OF you and that you VIII be IN
their thoughts on your trip around the
world. II, when you make use OF II
the remembrance OF the well wishes.
and deep interest OF the people Of my
ztate Will s. you any pleasure. then
3 will havs served its purpose"
WILL NEVER TARNrsH NAME
Captain Nicholson, commander Of the
battleship. IN responding touched up
on the beautiful custom Of donating
silver services TO warships. saying that
# added to the interest Of the public
IN the navy
~ q reminder that the thoughts of the
people OF the state are with us on
our cruises and we will endeayor to
warrant the confidence placed In u.s. /
can assure you OF one thine-that the
name OF Nebraska will never be tar
nished through the battleship.
The presentation Of the colors was
made BY Mrs. George Sheldon.
Whether she knew 1t or not. her
brief speech was most emphaticaIiy the
success OF the AFFAIR.
We women cannot fight. you know"
she said. but we can pray as our
grandmothers prayed These colors are
given you with prayers of the women
folk Take them and remember u.s.
They are yours 10 honor.
And they shall never be trailed in
the dust OF defeat. said Captain
Nicholson.
GUARD RECEIVES COL0RS
The marine guard stepped forward
70 receive the colors. and as. they were
lifted above the heads OF the crowd a
guard OF honor came to the present
and the band burst out with the ma
tional anthem.
Il was typical Of Nebraska that. 1t
included among its gifts a bible.
Strangers were apt 10 think such a
gift unique. but not they. II was in
accordance with the general atmos-
phere OF the whole AFFAIR. Simple talks.
simple truths and flnsly the simple
bible. the best weapon. they said for
a lighting man. The bible was given
by the Sunday school OF the First Con-
Eregational church OF Lincoln. An
other interesting feature OF the oc-
casion was the reading OF a poem by
Isabelle RitclA>. Nebraska's poet
Prior TO the presentation on board the
battleship Governor Sheldon was given
q magnificent bronze statute By his
stan. The presentation took place at
the hotel where he is stopping and
wae private. II lasted but a few
minutes. no attempt being made at
long speeches.
INCORPORATION PAPERS FILED
REDWOOD CITY. May s-AThe John