The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-11-07
LEARNING OUR SECRETS.
How n Foreign Officer Got Into an American
Navy-Yard.


Navy-Yard.
Letter in Baltimore American.
A naval officer, 10 speaking about the presence
OF foreigners In the navy, told the following
story: ~ was sent 20 Europe not long ago an
important errand, and j: became my duty to
form the acquaintance of foreign naval officers,
In order to accomplish certain aims had in
view. met many of them at dinners, recep-
tions and entertainments. and was surprised 10
find out how well they were informed on Amer
lean naval affairs. had occasion to 60 to KEEL,
Germany, for the purpose OF visiting the dock
yards there. felt sure that my credentials
would admit me to inspect the place. but
they did not tried little game of getting the
desired pass by reaching the officials through
the use OF wines and fine dInners. One day
coming cut OF my hotel Hello said he, slap
ping me on the shoulder, have you got in YETI
He spoke such pure English that for q moment
or SO WAS nonplussed'
NO / replied, will you get me IMP
81 can't aud thersupon be remarked: 1T 10
easier to get into your yards than ours
II looked at the officer intently and found by
his uniform that he was the chief naval con-
navy that l wanted to meet will you take q
glass of wine with msP asked. He consented,
and We returned to the hotel.
after q few minutes conversation, we be-
came quite friendly. and was surprised at the
IN sigh &c had of cur naval affairs. He aston
ished me by inquiring about certain officers
who were at the New York navy-yard during
the late wae. could not restrain my curiosity.
END asked him: How did you become ac-
4uainted with the oficsrsP The story is q
short one. he replied. When the war broke
out, in 1861, was in the German navy, aud
got orders to 60 to America aud study your
method of building ships and getting guns
ready for use When l got to New York. my
dress was that of plain German mechanic.
cot work as q carpenter and ship joiner, under a
fictitious name. and in a short time got used
10 the nickname "Dutchy." Nobody knew me-
and the workmsn readily and in good humored
way answered them. / helped 70 build and
repair ships and in time got hold OF much infor-
nation. / made plans OF the vessel. machinery,
guns, rigging. and, IN fact got on to everything.
/ worked lard &C night In my room, and kept
my government as we'll posted as could. The
more English learned tho better / understood
things tha. the workmen said in my hearing.
worked on the big ship Dunderberg; also Oh the
Merrimac. at Norfolk. and on some OF the mon
itors. sent much valuable inform alton home.
Now You see the reason why you can't get into
our yard.
1.-THE narrative was straightforward and was
so full OF facts concerning men and affairs. that
readily saw how the German naval constructor
got on TO my visit, and, although tried to con
vince him 20 the contrary he was not to be
hoodwinked. know where KEEL is, and that IL
has dock-yard. but III have TO 90 10 KEEL as a
German mechanic before can get inside of that
place. This shows how necessary IL is to keep
an eye on foreigners 10 our navy-yards IL we
want to keep our secrets"