The morning call., 1892-08-08
FROM MARE ISLAND.
The Inquiry as to the Condition
of the Ranger.
The Tug Nellie in Commissiou-New-Fas ASH
toned Powder Cases-Work on the
Mcnadnock
Correspondence OF THE MORNING CALL

VALLEJO, August THE board of in
quiry relative to the condition Of the ma
chinery of the Ranger when she left the
island finally concluded its labors on Satur-
day. The result of this long and rigid ex-
animation will only be known after having
been submitted TO the authorities at Wash
ington. 1t is predicted by those who have
watched the progress of the inquiry that
the yard people will come out of the ordeal
unscathed.
Captain Henry L. Howison, U. S. n, and
wife arrived at the yard last Monday morn
ing, and he rel orted soon after TO the COM
mandant as captain of the yard and head OF
the department of yards and docks. The
captain is much more portly in appearance
than when here last. some % years ago,
since which time forests of trees have been
planted and have grown up n various p arts
OF the island.
In one Of the groves Of trees this side OF
and to the rear of the Naval Hospita
beautiful and commodious residence has
been erected, and in few days will receive
the finishing touches at the hands OF the
contractor, j. Is. Mckenzie. This home IS
to be used as a residence by tie Medical
Inspector, G. w. Woods, u. ). N. In
charge of the hospital. 1t consists OF two
stories and basement, with towers, circu-
lar bays, gables and sloplng roofs. broad
piazza extends along the front and sides,
with por,e-coehere at the end and gabled
over the entrances with an ornamental
carved wood panel.
The ball or reception-room is fitted up in
Moorish style, and attracts the eye Tor It's
uDiQueness. The cost of the building Will
be in the neighborhood of $4,000. with
couple more added for laying sewers and
beautlfying the grounds. 1t is the most
convenient residence on the island. Surgeon
General Browne is TO be commended for the
interest he has taken in having such elegant
quarters erected for the occupancy OF the
one In charge OF the hospital. 1t is said TO
be the intention OF the surge0n-geuerai 10
visit the Island during the present year
The pretty tug Nellie went into commits
sion the fore part OF the week, and so far
bears out the predictions that she would be
credit 10 the mechanics of the cOnstruc-
ton and steam engineering departments
who have had hand in making the neces-
sary repairs on her. Even the painters ex-
erted their skill In mixing the cOlOrs for the
cabinet finish. which is in the daintlesl flesh
and lavender tints that could be conceived.
The pilot. Captain W. ID. Shaw, who has
been at his post Of duty for over score of
years, Is justly proud OF his launch, and Will
keep her in as good trim as country maid
on her wedding day.
The Lively has been hauled up on the
cradle-ways and will soon undergo repairs.
Ii Is necessary that two or three launches
or tugs should be in condition for service at
all times. In cause a nOTther should come
and the hulks out in the bay get adTift they
would come in handy. If III proper condi-
ton, IL not it would be just as bad as the
Dutchman's ancbor-at the bottom Of the
sea-when he was going on lee shore.
POWDER CASES.
A lot Of new fashioned. six-inch powder
cases or tanks were landed at the yard a
day or two ago and taken down to the mag
aZine until required. They were shipped
direct from the Washington yard, and are
used in loading the new-fashioned guns
They are cylindrical, about four feet long
and weigh some 40 or 30 pounds. The
in the tube. then inserted in the
breech of the rife and withdrawn,
leaving the charge ready for firing. What a
change from the old muZZle-lOader, with the
pOwder-mOnkey and his cartridge-box slung
TO bis shoulder, and the hammer and sponge,
tile fuse. the primer. the lock aud the string.
EXAMINATIONS FOR PROMOTION.
The new order, 10 take effect January l.
1898. relative 10 examinations for promo
ton from the grade of passed assistant
engineer 70 the grade of chief engineer, is
embodied in regulation circular No. 100, Is
sued July %, 1892 After having been ex-
amined By board OF officers Of the Medi-
cal Corps and found physically qualified,
the candidate must pass TO the satisfaction
OF a board of officers of the Engineer Corps
qualifications TO perform efficiently all the
duties, both at sea and ON shore, of the
grade TO which he Is 10 be promoted. The
standard is placed at 1000; the lowest salts
factory, 700. Examinations are to be made
on the designs of marine machinery, duties
as chief engineer of ship in commission,
duties Oh shore, at 4 navy-yard or as al In
spector Of machinery, building by contract,
on practical work. strength Of materials,
metallurgy, ship-buiidlng and economics OF
machinery.
Interrogations will be addr by the
board 10 the commanding officers and senior
engineer officers under whom the applicant
may have served as to his mental, moral
and professional fitness for promotion
Three hundred will be the standard Of rec
ord thus furnished, and Is included In the
1000 value Of subjects above named. Con-
else and brief answers to the questions pro-
pounded Will receive more credit than long
ones. A candidate for promotion to the
grade OF chief engineer must have served at
least two years at sea as passed assistant
engineer on board n naval vessel.
Half embedded in the high bank just In
the rear OF the anchor park, opposite the
1O0-ton crane, Is an old, old anchor picked
up many years ago in the southern seas.
In appearance 1t is old and half rusted away;
its look betOkens bygofe ages. 1t should
be sent TO the Worlds Fair. 1t must have
been cast in the long ago.
The other day. half reclining by the rust
eaten old relic. was gray bearded, bonzed
son Of the sea. Ever and anon he cast his
eyes, dimmed with age, upon the Boston,
the Comanche, and then on the old Hart
ford and Pensacola. which once were con-
sidered the finest ships in the American
navy. He was evidently musing upon the
past and mourning for those good old days
that will never come again. A couple of
officers CHANGED along al the time and noted
the sorrowful look in Jacks eyes. One of
them, and he is veteran of the war HIM
self, was so inspired by the sight that soon
after bis return to his quarters he wrote
batch Of verse, taking the musing old salt
for bis text He entitled the stanzas: