The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-10-03
CROSSING THE EQUATOR.
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ln letter dated the United States flag. ship Lancaster" and published in the New York Gr0bhic, the writer describes the curious nautical ceremonies which took place when the vessel crossed the equator. He says:
 Gaboon is only about thirty miles north of the equator, and great preparations were made here in anticipation of our visit from Neptune and his initiation of the gre at unwashed who had never crossed the line. We left the Gaboon river in the afternoon and that evening our ship was hailed and King Neptune came on board to notify us that we were in his do. minions, and that on the following day he would visit us in grand style and in itlate all candidates and welcome those who had already been there" in differ ent parts of the world. The next fore noon, fine hot one, King Neptune with his bouncing wife Amphri,rite reported on board and were received by all hands at musters. His suit consisted of mot ley crowd of policemen armed with stuffed clubs and headed by Dr. Ills, who was to look after the physical condition of the candidates, and special body- guard of bears dressed in old coal bags who were to see that every one was prop erly washed. Two barbers with immense wooden razors, with their helpers carry. ing large buckets of "lather," completed the good kings retinue.
 Neptune took charge of the ship, and his flag was hoisted at the main. Then, accompanied by the officers, he repaired to the bridge, where he sat in state, and the n0tAc hAnan tkA 70. who had never crossed the line were given the choice of paying forfeit or go- ing through the mill. Then the crev were called up by name and passed through the ordeal. A large tank had been made out of an awning and a good depth of water put in it, Above the tank at its forward end on the bridge were the doctor and the two barbers with their shaving gear. The doctor administered dough and sand pills, ink elixirs and other agreeable bracers," while ques- tioning the candidate on his previous cruising. The victim was put on chair with hls back to the tank and his face and mouth well lathered with glue, put on with large whitewash brushes. Then the barbers began their scraping, and at signal the chair was tipped over, throw ing the candidate backwards into the tank and into the gentle care of six big bears who passed him along through the salt water. Policemen with stuffed clubs administered just punishment to all "kickers." This form of initiation was the same for all.
 A diversion in the proceedings was created by tue stopping of the ship to take on board two men who came to call on the ship. They were taken on the bridge before Neptune and his wife. One of them was dapper of young fel- low, smiles all over, brimful of informa- tion. Being asked his name he gave it as Sandford. Neptune smiled sadly and remarked that he had heard the name be- fore, but did not know that MT. Sandford was alive. "How did you know that the ship would be here in this out of the way place z" asked Neptune. "Oh, l knew you were going to the Congo, 'cause me and Bill here (pointing to his partner) fixed that" With wild shriek Neptune gave the order, Bounce him." and will ing hands sent "the right man in the right place." and his partner s2rawling after him in the tank, accompanied by the loud cheers of the crew.
 Many dodges were resorted to by anx- ious or scared candidates, to get out of the initiation some said thst they had already crossed the line, having made the passage from New York to Havana: oth. CTS drew the color line; one fellow slowed himself away under a bed in one of the cabins, but was hauled out by one of Nep- tunes watchful policemen and put into the tank, paper collar, boots and all an- other deliberately lied, but had a "close shave" in getting out of it. After the function was over Neptune's flag was hauled down and the ship turned over to the proper authorities.
 The royal warrants given to the officers and men are valuable documents, and an extract from them will show people at home what great protection goes with them. After stating that so and so has been in our royal domain in the good ship - in the year -," it says, I've, therefore, in case of losing his head and falling over board, recommend all sharks. dolphins, whales, crabs, eels and poly wogs under our command to abstain from eating, playing with or otherwise mal- treating this person. We further direct all soldiers, sailors, marines, politicians and land lubbers who have not crossed eur royal domain, to treat him with that proper respect due to one who has visited us. Disobey under penalty of our royal displeasure. Neptunus Rex"
 
 A First-Class House.
 There is probably no house in the