AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN FRITZ 297
And agaflist the glorified picture of another John which has been set before us in these latter days, we lift the type of our John, — John Fritz (applause); and we match John Fritz's day with John MitcheU's day; that was yesterday; this is to-day, and thank God it is to-morrow and forever. (Applause.)
I pray God that the medal which we have this night instaUed wiU stand forever for those who shaU win and wear it, as the name upon it stands to-day for such quaUties as these. I pray God that He may grant it — nay, He wfll grant it, for He is not dead, and American manhood and liberty inspired by Him are not dead, and Justice and Truth are the foundations of our national Ufe as they are the foundation of His eternal throne. (Tremendous applause.)
The Toastmaster : — I have here a telegram which has just been received: " Accept my heartiest congratulations. I join with those present in honoring you. ControlUng reasons prevent my being with you. George Westing- house." (Applause.) The stated order of proceeding wiU now be rudely interrupted by Mr. Jolm C. Kafer, of the Dinner Comnflttee, who has something to say. (Applause.)
Mr. Kaeer: — Mr. Chaimian, Mr. Fritz, and Gentlemen: I am delegated by Mr. Irving M. Scott of San Francisco, who has sent me this beautiful loving cup, to present it to Mr. John Fritz, in commemoration of what Mr. Fritz has done for Iflm in Ifls work in building the Oregon. On this cup is inscribed the foUowing: ''To John Fritz on his eightieth birthday. The buflder of the West greets the genius of the East. The Oregon's performance glorffies the steel of Fritz." (Applause.)
We have with us here to-night the designer of the ma¬ chinery of the Oregon, Rear-Admiral Melvflle. We have Mr. Lewis Nixon, who was the designer of the hull. Mr. Irving Scott promised to be here but could not get here.