never been surpassed.

This is but a glance at the man, and the event to which we are here
to-day to rear this tribute of our gratitude. There are other names and
other figures that come up to view in the memory and gather around the
name of Perry, of men who were efficient auxiliaries in the conflict,
shared the dangers, and participated in the glory of the battle of Lake
Erie, and who are inseparably connected with that event.

Turner, Taylor, Champlin, Almy, Breese, Brownell, and the acting fleet
surgeon Parsons were from Rhode Island; Forest, Brook, Stevens,
Hambleton, Yarnell and others not less distinguished, were from other
states; and the gallant commander of the northwest-army, and his
comrades in arms, whom Perry accompanied to the field on the 5th of
October, in the battle of the Thames, where Perry's victory was made
complete by driving the organized forces of the enemy from upper Canada,
are deserving of our remembrance to-day.

[Illustration: THE NEW STATUE OF COMMODORE PERRY.]

To your Excellency the Governor, representing the people of Rhode
Island; To your Honor, the Mayor, representing the people of Newport:--

The Committee charged with the duty of providing and erecting this
statue of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, has performed the work
committed to it, and through you dedicate it to the people of the State,
and of this city you represent, as the result of its labors. It is not
for the committee to comment upon the statue which has been formed and
erected under its direction, but with great satisfaction the artist's
finished work is submitted to the candid criticism of all who are