The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-11-22
LOYAL LEGION
OF CALIFORNIA.
Visit of a Merry Party to the
Mare Island Yard.
Review of the Garrison - Luncheon and
Speeches on the Independence - Rover
enee for the Old Hartford

One OF the most delightful excursions
that has ever taken place in the sun-kissed
waters Of San Francisco Bay was that
gwen yesterday by the California Com
mandery, military order Of the Loyal
Legion Of the United States. The COM
maudery had chartered the steamer James
N. Donahue for the occasion, which was a
trip to Mare Island and visit to the war
ships there. The party, which numbered
fully 800, Of whom about hall we're ladies,
made the start at 9:4j o'clock. The In
fantry Band from Angel Island was in at
tendance and enliyeHed the trip with excel
lent music. The weather was all that could
be wished, and the gay party thoroughly
enjoyed themselves.
As the steamer passed through the long
lines of shipping at anchor in the bay the
Government vessels greeted her by dipping
flags. while every steamer and tug in sight
s9luted by blowing their whistles. AS she
sped past AlcatraZ and Angel islands hand
EeTohiefS and hats were waved to speed the
DGat ON her way. The trip to the island
occupied two and a half hours, and the
younger members of the party passed the
time in dancing, while the older enjoyed
the passing scenery and fought their battles
over again. The party was in charge of
Colonel Smedberg, who proved himself to
be competent host.
THE HARTFORD sALUTED.
On reaching Mare Island the steamer
took a turn around the old war-ships at all
Choir in the stream, and as the war-scarred
Hartford was passed every hat came off
rever entially, and three roGsing cheers
were given for the immortal Farraguts
flagship. The crew Of the Mohican manned
rTFvfrrN and nod Il
with three hearty cheers. Admiral Irwin
and staff, with every commissioned officer
that could be spared from duty. stood on
the wharf as the party landed and warmly
welcomed the visitors to the hospitaiities of
the Davy-yard. A review of the garrison
then took place. and Brigadier-General
Ruger, the reviewing officer, was greatly
Pleased with the precision with which the
various eyolutloDs were performed.
The line OF march was then taken up for
the old battle-ship Independence, ami in a
short time she was surrendered into the
hands Of the invaders. The upper deck
was gay with flags, and tables occupied the
entire deck. After generous repast Major
W: a. Gould rose and gave the first toast,
The Navy, which was received with loud
cheers. Irving III. Scott responded in a very
able manner and spoke of the vast strides
made by the United States toward building
up navy hitting the grandest nation on
earth He ended by saying that if Chile
wanted spanking Z nclc Sam was ready to
accommodate her. Captain c. A. Woodruff,
U. S. A. responded to THE Ladies" in a
manner that evoked roars of Laughter or
rousing cheers. The Army" was responded
TO by Judge w. w. Morrow in an able
speech.
IN THE BIG DRY-D0CK.
The party then visited the big stone dry
dock and spent some time viewing the CO.
lossal form of the INV famous cruiser San
Francisco as she lay In the big basin being
scraped and cleaned. Nor was tho interior
et the vessel forgetten; every part OF the
ship was visited and the old salts were
in their element as they explained the vari-
Gus parts of the vessel to their fair COM
panions and soldier comrades. The entire
party was loud in the praises of the beauti-
fui cruiser and tile officers were compl-
mented on her cleanliness and neat appear
ance.
The INN ense mass of barnaeles that was
being seraped from the cruisers bottom
was viewed with amazement and several OF
the ladies descended to the bottom of the
dock in order to secure specimens Of the