Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1886-11-13
LIFE on i LIGHTSHIP.
A DRAG WITH NAuGAT SAVE DANGER
TO RELIEVE THE MONOTONY.

Aboard the scotland, Near the Jersey
Coast-CIcan Paint and Bright Brass
work-The stamp Of Strength-Equip-
mcnt--Thc Crew.
To give an account Of the daily routine
work on one of the ships will tell the story OF
both. and in fact, all those along the sea
board Ii is ono continual drag with uaug..t
save danger to relieve the monotony Ths
hardshipS and peris which the crew have {"
undergo during the winter months are only
euualed bv those of the life savers along the
coast, They do not fear the heaviest of gales
If the anchor does not hitch or the cables
snap But the latter happened in "A strong
nOrtheaSterly storm there would be cause for
alarm The white quckSaudS Of Jersey
would then become lee shore and the YES
sels might be driven to pieces on the beach
before the extra anchor could be dropped or
the emergency canvas hosted. At al times
during the day and night there Is great
strain on the cables. In winter the tension IS
increased 100 per cent. and, as n necessity,
the chains are exceptionally strong, being
capable of withStandiug the most exciting
pitch of the craft as it is cast about by the
angry elements. The tackle which keeps it
in position consists of a cable thirty fathomS
in length One end of this is Coiled about the
barrel of the great windlaSs and lies aft. The
other deSCendS through the hawsepipe and
into the SEA to be fastened to q monster mush
room anchor which rests serenely on the bot
tom This long reach of chain is in itself Of
sufficient weight 10 make the lightShip main
tain a fairly steady frame
ON BOARD THE SHIP.
Upon stepping on board the ship the
strangers eye is struck by the remarkable
cleannesS of the deck paint and the bright
hess Of the brass work. II he be any sort of
an amateur sailor he will instantly perceive
there is an absence of the running and stand
ing rigging, which adds 50 much TO the grace
and beauty of the ordinary merchant marine
and that there is a popularity about the roll
and plunge of the craft. Ii is an unnatural
roll when that of the Skimming sailing ship
or fast steamer is recalled. There is a
decided langudness about it that is simply
sickening There seems To be no ambition in
the movement, and every time the vessel
falls from the crest of the sea the visitors
heart tries TO come out of his mouth. This is
not caused hy fright, but is the sole outcome
l.
thing to attract the attention Of the stranger
Is the solidity of everything about the deck.
Nothing lacks the stamp of strength. The
cabin, which is the sole property of the cap
tain and mate, is situated away aft, like that
on a vessel of the merchant marine. 1t is q
small apartment and is given ventilation and
light by a skvlight anidShips and several
headlights in the sides. Directly under the
a,,l
this with the few chairs, is as bright as a
new coin. The library and magazine well
for powder and rockets are near by. Just
forward of the cabin and opening into it by
means of a little door is the oil room There
are a number Of tanks in this compartment
and these are filled with hundreds of gallons
Of oil Hard by are a dozen or more extra
lamps. with reflactorS, chirnneys and great
punches of wickS. The brass work on the
former is finely polished and bright as nickel.
The forecaStle is situated in the eyes of the
craft, or as near a. the great chain cable will
permit 1t resembles that of "a square rugged
vessel, only il is below decks and everything
is in good order. There are several hunks in
the apartment but the men for the most part
prefer the luxury Of a hammock.
EQUIPMENT OF THE VESSEL
The lamps which are used are fixed within
band and nrc hoiStcd aloft by hand winChcS
10 which the lantern halliards are secured.
They have circular wicks, are within para
bolic reflectors, and are hung on gimbalS, 50
that whether the ship rolls stern or gunwaleS
under, they always maintain a vertical posi-
ton. In winter they are lighted at o'clock
p. m. and extingushed al a. III. In summer
they burn from p. m. toi a. IN The bril-
lianCy of theSp lamps are not apparent from
the deck. The hull of the ship is alike for
ward and aft. the stern being as sharp as the
stem. Ii is as strong rs an ironclad. Togive
it additional strength and staunChness in
good blow and heavy sea there are false keelS
on each side Of the bilge. These have several
times saved the craft from serious disaster.
The ship is supplied with Iudder, but it is
fastened so that it can move neither way
unless the Chocks are withdrawn. Canvas to
the extent Of trySail can be used, and only
that in the event of the cattle parting. The
vessel Is also provided with a whale or yawl
boat. in which the captain and a few of the
crew in summer make irregular excursions.
The crews mail. 10 great extent, is thrown
on board by passing pilot boats, which bring
il down from this city. In bad weather
weeks elapSe sometimes before those on
the pilot boats get a chance TO put the letters
and papers on board. The duties of the crew
are onerous Two are on watch at all hours
They look ont for crafts which approach in
too close proximity, diSrharginS rockets and
guns TO warn or signal them, and in fOggy
weather toll the bell for a like purpose. The
men are not obliged to render assistance TO
vessels or seamen in dis; ress, but invariably
they do so.-New York !taii and Express.
Tn. I,,nn -. ,na