The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1870-09-10
TRAVELLING SKETCHES
HoMEWARp BOUND.
KuhESR rHIRrY ONE.


with our readers, through our Travel
ing Sketches, and as We cannot part
with them before placing our foot once
more on American soil, we propose to
resume our narrative
1t is beautiful Sabbath morning.
The sky is unclouded, the ocean un-
rippled. The noble WASHINGTON is
ploughing her way through the deep,
like a thing of life, and everybody is
congratulating themselves and others
that the voyage is drawing 50 near to
close. New York Heralds and Tn
6,meS are scattered over the deck, a sup
ply having been furnished by the pilot
who came on board at 0 A. NJ. Divine
worship has been held for those who
desired to attend, and the beautiful,
though hfeless service Of the Episcopal
Church read by the chief officer, in the
cabin, while those of different religi-
Gus creed have enjoyed a similar
privilege in another part of the ves-
sci. Thoughts Of home engross our
attention and the attention of our
friends,a We think Of the absent though
not forgotten loved ones at home.
Suddenly yell is heard-a second
a third and a fourth. Going forward
we are soon enlightened as to the cause
of the disturbance. A negro, surround
ed by a score of passengers, mostly wo-
men, Is singing OF trying to sing an
old familiar hymn, and a mob is fast
collecting to annoy and insult them.
Epithets more forcible than polite, &C
compsnied by the vilest profanity, are
rained thick and fast; then comes a
shower of potatoe Feelings, and rush
for the offender. At this moment, our
attention is directed to the boat vain
Scotchman-who is evidently enjoy
ing the scrimmage. Gong to him, we
enquire: "What flag does this vessel
carry?" "The British flag, sir" is
the response. "We should be ashamed
to acknowledge it were we in your
place" we reply. well, sir" says the
boatswain, cts against the rules to hold
meetings Of any kind without the per-
mission Of the captain, but I'll speak
to the officer on duty" SO going up
to a good natured, pompous, little Eng
lishman, he makes him acquainted with
the facts. Forward he comes, and in
sists that no disturbance will be allowed.
"Go to HI with you, and help your
self" is the encouraging rejoinder
Matters are looking serious. Three hun
bred Infatuated passengers are threat
ening to throw the offender overheard,
and their numbers are being aug
mented every minute. A rufian seizes
the boatswain by the throat, and is cheer
ed by his rufian gang. "Better have
let the matter DROP" we think. "No,
not bit of it; we're right, no matter
how 1t ends" At least so we repeat.
The chief mate now appears on the
scene, but his authority and demands
are ridiculed. Argument and persua-
sion are thrown away, and for a few
minutes it looks as if New York mob
had obtained the control of the ship.
The captains aid is next invoked, and
the situation explained in few words.
He comprehends it in a moment. An
order is quickly given to the chief en-
gineer. No matter what it is-he
understands it. A tiny whsle is blown
up come both watches, in their navy
attire. "Clear the decks" shouts the
plucky little Welchman !" and going up
to the leader of the mob ne seizes
him by the throat the crew advance I;
mischief is intended, that man will
stand no trif1ing, the devil is in eye; he
is monarch of all he surveys and is de-
termined to maintain his authority.
He is equal to the emergency, and
proves himself true British sailor.
One by one the rabble disappear, and
in less time than it takes to write 1.-THE
crowd have scrambled below, and left
the negro and his admirers to finish
their devotions. The captain, however,
d memorable. "Oficer, allow no one
On deck" is the order, and it must be
and while we question the
Of any body Of women bel
owing like flock Of calves, to the an
loyance Of everybody on board, we
ire proud now to know that the Brit
sh flag Hies at the peak Of the Wash
ngton. J