The Washington herald., 1912-04-18
JONES MEMORIAL
UNVEILED IN RAIN
Stirring Tribute Paid tothe
First Admiral OF the
Navy.
Observation-Disclosures

With dismal haze enveloping Potomac
Park and a steady rain descending, the
monument TO John Paul Jones, at the
foot of Seventeenth street on the bank
Of the Tidal Basin. was unveiled yester-
day afternoon with simple but impressive
ceremonies. Thousands Of persons eager
to pay tribute TO the first admiral. OF the
navy, stood for an hour in the downpour
Of rain to witness the review of soldiers
and sailors. listen TO the patriotic, souls
stirring speeches, and gaze at the un-
veiled statue.
President Taft delivered a brief address,
in which he reviewed the life of the
bold seaman. and eulogized him highly.
The President said that Il was fitting
that 135 years after the famous battle In
which John Paul Jones participated a
monument, dignihed and beautiful, should
be erected by the nation to his honor in
the Capital OF the United States
Secretary Meyer Presides.
George Won L. Meyer. Secretary of the
Navy. presided.
I'VE are assembled here to-day" he
said in an Introductory speech, ito honor
the memory of John Paul Jones' of the
United States Navy. who rendered con-
spicuously gallant service in the long
war which gave US national life. He
won victories under adverse circum-
stances on account of his great skill and
sublime courage, and he gave the Amer
lean navy its earliest traditions Of hero
ism and glory. He was an enthusiastic
supporter of the republic. a gallant OH
Ger. brave man and true"
zzAs Rev. Charles Wood. D. D., arose
70 pronounce the invocation, a drizzling
rain began TO fail, and the nebulous haze
- 81. I.N -fv,
TO deepen. Around the great monument
on three sides were erected stands for
more than LOCO invited guests. Behind
the monument was seated the Marine
Band in gaudy dress. In the little harbor
at the base of the monument were
grouped in a semi-circle eight naval
power launches. From a cable stretched
high over the monument ffuttered in
Vulnerable flags and pennants-one solid
mass of bright colors.
After a selection by the Marine Rand
an address was made by Gen. Horace
Porter. through whose efforts. while
Ambassador to France. the remains of
John Paul Jones were brought from the
St. Louis Cemetery in Paris TO An
napolis.
John Paul Jones was a rugged sailor.
and yet a polished courtier," said the
speaker. He could tread the ballroom
floor as gracefully as the bloody deck OF
: the great frigaies. He had the great
power of forging weaklings into giants.
His spirit was best displayed when an
opponent asked him to surrender. Sur
light
Jones Was Genius.
Jones won his battles firsf by genius.
and second by his sword. During his
career he captured fifty-nfne vessels
. and destroyed millions of dollars worth
of maritime, property. He was many
sided man, and an apt scholar. In cour-
age he has never been surpassed. Death
was the only foe 10 which he ever low
cred his colors. His deeds will always
inspire men with the majesty of achieve
ment Admiral Jones once said that-not
even death could part him from the
Stars and Stripes. Death, however did
part the admiral and the mag for ll5
years. but now, thank God, they are at
last together"
At the conclusion OF the speech, Ad-
miral George Dewey, the hero of the
battle Of Manila Bay, was handed the
rope to pull loose the drapings from the
statue. Admiral Dewey pulled hard. The
rain had soaked the silk American flags
which drsped the statue. The rope tore
loose. A second rope was handed the
Admiral and this, too, broke. In a
second a sailor had climbed the statue,
and by means of a stick freed the two
gigantic silk flags from the bronze form.
AS the flags were drawn aside, revealing
the work of art, far across the Tidal
Basin was heard a distant booming
sound. Dimly through the thick mist
beyond the faint willows lining the bank
OF the Potomac were noticed the flags
of the two naval ships, Dolphin and
Msyflower. Through the haze could be
seen the flashes, and then, after a
pause, the boom could be heard. 1t was
the national salute OF twenty-one guns.
Before the booming had died away
President Taft arose and commenced
his speech.
Charles H. Nichaus, the sculptor, was
then introduced by Secretary Meyer.
The benediction was pronounced by Rev.
William 7. Russell President Taft re-
viewed the $500 soldiers and sailors who
participated in the parade. He was ac-
companied by Mrs. Taft and Col Spen-
Ger Cosby. who acted as aid.
Before the ceremonies commenced the
army contingent formed in line along
the west side OF Seventeenth Street,