Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1889-11-11

/ lHEj NON. lObiIs sAuSA AcNht -
may go on board and inspect one or
| all four of the war vessels which Sec.
Tracy has ordered here for a few
days, before they depart for Europ-
can waters to show the other side
folks what little, insignificant navy
this great American continent main
tains. Timid ladies may be assured
that the guns won't ego off''-but
the handsome sailors will, so don't
lose your hearts to them.
After inspecting the war vessels,
visit to the department for Armament
and Ordnance will be of interest.
Guns, torpedoes, floating distractions
and small arms of every description
are to be seen.
In the machinery department, the
man with an eye for such things, will
find abundant material to occupy his
attention. A look into the ship-rig-
ging department dispels the impress
sion that, given little wood, some
iron, few nails and flagstaff, one
may constuct ship 1 started to
count the various things known as
"rigging," but being reminded that
the exhibit would close Jan. 4th, /
put that piece of work among my
''left overs,' consoling myself with
the thought that / should probably
forget it, any way.
No department interests me more
than the Wrecking department, and
the exhibit of the Humane Society of
of Massachusetts. One has only to
see old ocean In a rage to appreciate
the wonderful work of this society in
rescuing shipwrecked lives. The SER
vice is a noble charity, and should
command the appreciative support,
and consideration of every one.
Nearly century ago the foundation
for this work was laid in the erection
at points on the coast of six huts, in
which were deposited various articles
which skipwrecked seamen would
need to sustain life. In 1907 the
first life-saving station was establish
ed, fitted with life-boat and such
appliances as were then in use in 9th
er countries for resisting the unfor-
tunate marines. From that small be-
ginning there have sprung into exist
ence sixty-two life-saving stations,
scattered along the Massachusetts
coast, each fully equipped and in
charge of a competent captain and
crew. Every year adds to the long
list of their brave deeds. Never a
call comes unheeded; never an APP
peal in vain; night and day these
men watch for signals of distress.
''Man the life-boat'' means often
always, almost-risking their lives
that they may save others; going
out in the midst of terrible storms, in
the most severe weather, never shirk-
ing duty's call, even though it lead
them straight into the jaws of death.
THE QUICKsTEP.
In Music Hall is one of the chief
attractions. This is not the original
yacht which won the cup, but an eX-
act duplicate in every particular. She
is beauty. From stem to stern,
from keel to topmost spar, every line,
every curve is perfect. L meant to
give you her dimensions, but will
have to do that next time. On her
deck were Cappa's 9Th New York
Regt. band, of forty men or more,
and chorus of fifty-two voices, so
it may be seen that Quickstep is not
a doll boat, by any means.
In the lower hall a canal over 800
feet long has been constructed, on
which are to be placed the exhibit of
small craft, canvas, yawls, etc.
The government exhibit, which
like very many others, is not yet in
place, will be of great interest.
Among other things it is to include
the fish commissioners vast collection
of fish found in American waters,
and the signal service apparatus, with
a working station in the building.
In the Art department there is
bountiful feast. Already our two
hundred oil paintings (marine views)
are on the walls, with many yet in
their packing boxes. 1t is a remark
ably fine collection, with fewer poor
pictures than l ever saw in any exhi-
bition. OF water colors, photographs
and engravings there is also fine
collection.
From beginning to end the music
will be a great attraction. The man
agement is In the hands of men who
combine western push, foresight and
daring with the thorough-going quail
of the east. No money has been
spared to make it grand educator,
and to awake within the minds of
people the pride which will
set them about finding way to re-
deem their nations place upon the
waters. Great in internal commerce,
why should she sit supinely by and
allow the flags of other nations to
hers upon the seas?
l have given you a hurried sketch,
with no expectation save to bring
this exhibition to your attention.