The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1879-05-28
'HAKiNG -Ok.wGKss MEN.
The Daily Routine Of Duty on the
r & School Ship Minnesota z.
How the Boys Who Seek Subordinate Places
In Uncle SANS Navy Are Trained on
Navigation and Made Self
Reliant.

How the Boys Who Seek Subordmace fiaces
In Uncle SANS Navy Are Trained ON
Navigation and Made Self
Reliant.
itg0Z IL .1JTlIEy 70 .agrT sfT
New York Star.
Lying at anchor IN the North river, just
off the foot of Twenty third street, is the
United States training ship Minnesota. On
board are about 800 ,brightfaced youths who
are fitting themselves for service inthe navy.
The discipline issfirm and thorough through
out the prescribed course. and visit to the
vessel at any time reveals an interesting
system of instrpction that is admirably 1
maintained. The department of seaman
ship, in which recruits are trained, embraces
practical seamanship. sail-making, the use
OF diving apparatus, signals and boats, and
the art of swimming A"monkey top sair'
is fitted to one of the yards" on which
the boys are drilled before being
sent aloft. Studies are marked
out in the 'eYoung Seaman's Manual" and
the lads are also taught to reef, loose, furl,
bend and unbend sails. Laying the boys
aloft and out on the yards is a part of the
regular daily routine, and is continued until
they are thoroughly accustomed to the ex-
erc1se. The captains of the "tops" are sent
aloft previously, and as far as possible the
orders given are those employed IN loosing
furling sails In these preliminary exercises
the boys are permitted to take their time,
and are never hurried. They also learn to
use the palm and needle in sewing, working
eyelet- holes roping and the draughtlng of
sails. A fine collection of working models
may be seen on board. They are found
very efficient means of instruction The
gunnery department embraces the theory
and practice of gunnery, including thu
study and exercise of the howitzer, afloat and
ashore, the Calling gun, and proficiency In
infantry, pistol and broadsword exercises,
and the use of torpedoes. The manual Is
the "Gunnery Text BooK," issued by the
naval bureau OF ordnance. Drill at pivot
and broadside guns is required. The in
fautry exercises are in accordance with
United States army tactics, and the broad
side is the same as that taught at the Naval
Academy. The department of machinery
embraces instruction in the coaling and work.
ing of fires, the construction and operation
OF boilers, steam and water gauges, the
action of the piston and slide-valves
of steam engine, etc. Boys who display
some aptitude for mechanical pursuits and
are otherwise qualified are selected upon
their own application for instruction in the
engineers force. They are taught to file,
cut threads with taps and dies, solder, etc,
and are initiated into blacksmith work. and
in making and fitting patches for boilers.
They coal and work the fire under the aux
lliary boiler when in use, jack the main en-
gines, move the valve-gear, and perform the
general work of firemen. Models of boilers
and sections of machinery and their names
and uses when in connection are shown to
pupils. During the afternoons of the
winter months practical instruction is given
in the machine-shop of the navy yard, and
during the summer in the engine and fire.
rooms of the vessel. Students In this
department are retained on board the train
ship two years, and have opportunities for
handling machinery and managing fires on
such coasting steamers as may be designed
by the bureau of equipment and recruiting
of the navy department.. The department
of studies teaches elementary English
branches. including singing. 1t has an
upper and lower class, and instruction is
given daily in these subjects. ...1.
Boys between the ages of 10 and IL may
enlist to serve in the navy, provided they
come up to the following requirements: The
candidate must be of robust frame, intelli-
gent of perfectly sound and healthy consti-
tuition, free from any physical defects or
reformation, and not subject to fits. He
N uSJ Is b RUE. DC 6Ott " Icau du0 WIFE,
His height must be five feet one inch with
out shoes, and the circumference of his chest
should be 80 inches. Boys, however, who
do not quite reach this standard OF height
and measurement may be enlisted by special
order of the navy department, If in all other
respects they are desirable. EacS boy, on
presenting himself for enlistment, must be
accompanied by his father or mother or his
guardian. The parent or guardian, however,
who is unable to accompany his son or ward
to the place of enlistment will be fur
nished. on written application to the COM
manding officer with duplicates OF a printed
form, by which the boy Is enlistment will be
perfected in case he is accepted by the ex-
aiming officers. All expenses of travel
have to be paid by candidates, whether or
not they are accepted. If boy is considered
| fit for the service, the engagement to serve
continuously until he reaches his majority
| is read and explained to him, he signs the
agreement and is enlisted. Preference is
| given to the sons of old sailors and soldiers.
When boy is received on board he must
at once come under the regime. He Is re-
| quired to take q bath, have his hair neatly
! trimmed by the barber, and vaccinated with
4 out regard to any previous vaccination. The
masterat arms points out to him his ham
mock hook and number, showing HIM how
! to lash and carry his hammock, and where he
1 is to take it when it is ordered up for stow
/ age in the MEETINGS. From the start boy is
| taught to keep his clothes in good order
and in thorough repair. Cleanliness of per.
son and clothing is strictly enforced. and
much stress is laid upon 1t at all inspections.
| As rule, the boys wear their working suits
until they are out of debt. Every article
/ of clothing Is distinctly marked with the
name of It's owner. Immediately after it is
| issued. Prompt and cheerful obedience to
orders and a respectful bearing toward those
| in authority are insisted upon. The boys
are taught to regard the training ship as q
home, and every effort is made to render IL
| as comfortable and attractive rs possible.
Singing and dancing are permitted on proper
4 occasions. Every boy is required to attend
divine service, which is not sectarian, unless
excused by the written request Of parents OF
4 guardians Those who have passed through
training ship with credit, and have made
foreign cruise of two and . hall
or three years, If their services are
required, are received on board q
training ship as assistant instructors. Or
coming on board boy is furnished by ths