Omaha daily bee., 1912-03-11
ERICSSON'S NAME TO LIVE
Inventor Of Monitor Given Honor on
Anniversary of Battle.
SWEDISH PEOPLE MAKE TALKS

Celebrations Commemoratins De-
structioa Of Merrimac Fifty
Years Ago Held I'm Big
Eastern cities.
The fiftieth anniversary of the his
toric battle between the first ironciads,
the Monitor ana the Merrimsc, waged off
Hampton Roads. was eommemorated in
Omaha last night by the Swedish popu-
iation at Emmanuel church, who eulo-
gixed the inventor Of the Yankee
cheesebox." John Ericsson. who was
born in Sweden. \ portrait of the in
ventor. decorated with a wreath OF
roses. rested near the altar.
Or. ]. L. Ahrahamson Of Rock Island.
Ill. delivered the address. picturing In
graphic words the epoehsl battle between
The huge Confederate Merrimac and the
curious little Union craft. He re-
viewed the life of Ericsson as one OF the
most famous inventors of his time and
paid a tribute to the United States for
the honor bestowed by the nation upon
him. his body being sent by the govern
ment to his old home for burial.
Lessons OF patriotism and persever-
ance were drawn from the Swedish In
ventor's life and the history of the
Swedish population OF the United States
was pointed TO as proof that Sweden IL
suffering no dearth OF industrious and
useful citizens The tribute paid by
Theodore Roosevelt 10 swedes was re-
peated, the speaker adding that while
St was all very well for others TO laud
their qualities of good citizenship. their
own people should show no lassitude in
coming to the front and claiming recog
nition
An interesting program preceded the
euiogy Of John Ericsson. Rev. A. Lager
qulst opened the meeting with prayer.
Mrs. NJ. L. Webster and Burger Edquist
played a violin duet. Miss Edith stgberg
Gang q soprano solo. The Nelson quartet
also appeared. Miss. Ruth Ryiander
played a selection from Mendeissohn. +.
o. Newiean sang .Du Gamla. Du FRA"
The program closed with ''Frybaken"
by the choir. Rev. E ]. Gilman pro-
nounciug the benedietlon. Rev. c. Z.
Ewing followed DR.. Abrahamson with
brief address Of thanks for blessings be-
slowed
DR.. Ahrahamson will preach at salem
church. 2is South Twenty third street. this
morning and at Zion church. Thirty-sixth
and Lafayette streets, this evening.
Celebration In Washington.
WARRINGTON. March io.-The fiftieth
anniversary OF the historic battle between
the Monitor and the confederate ironclad
Aierrimac was commemorate last night at
the annual banquet OF the American
Society OF Naval Engineers. The diners
included high naval officers. others prom
inent IN official life and one survivor OF
The Merrlmac In the person OF Captain
~. II. Marmaduke. who was a midship-
man on the vessel lie was the only per-
son at the banquet who was participant
In the momentous encounter Of fifty years
ago.
Conspicuous among the decorations were
electric models Of the two opposing
craft. W. n. Mcfarland OF New
York. who delivered the principal
address, traced the advance In enEis
neering from the Mouitor to the Ok
lahoma. the latest dreadnaught. Others
who spoke were Secretary OF the Navy
Meyer. former Speaker Cannon and Rep
rescntatIve Estonlnal Of Louisiana and
Representative RedfIeld OF New York.
Captain w. = Smith L. S. n, was
toasfmaster.
NEW YORK. March ie.-rhIs date. an
even nifty years ago when the Monitor
and the Merrimac went IN the spectacular
naval battle Of Hampton Roads was
communicated BY the United Swedish
societies and the John Ericsson Memorial
association at banquet last night, at
which the inventor OF the Yankee tin
can on a Hhingle" was devoted a place
In the worlds hall OF fame.
chauncey NJ. Depcw. who said he re.
membered that historic day "as though
II were but yesterday was the principal
speaker and wildly told the history OF the
famous encounter and Of how the monde.
script vessel which had been met with
derision In naval circles was initiated the
world over after the battle Turning to
the present. tbs speaker said:
There is mighty preachment now
which finds its echo in congress. that we
can save money by reducing the efficiency
Of the army and denying the battleshIps
necessary for the navy. War Is out OF
date cry these mistaken advocates OF
peace. The possibilities Of conflict are
ever present. At any hour all Europe
may plump the question: Shall We rely
on your Interpretation of the Monroe
doctrine or protect ourselves as We are
amply able to dor II We had lesser
navy they would no; ask that question.
They would protect themselves"