The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1892-02-28
TURNER'S TARS.
Company d of the Naval Battalion
on the DrumrOck.
lacking Ship and Loosening sail-Tug-Oi-War
and a Surprise Party to Captain
Baley-A Gay scene.

- Yesterday was 8 red-letter day in The annals
Of Company y Of the Naval Battalion, as II was
then that The boys took their frat lesson in
practical seamsnship. By the kindness OF Cap
tain Bailey aud the officers Of the splendid ship
DrumT0ck the company was given The freedom OF
the vessel, and learned The first lesson in the
work OF handling vessel Tie members OF the
company met al the srmOTy on Pacific avenue,
ana 10 uniform marched down 10 the ship, where
they arrived al o'clock in the afternoon
In anticipation OF tie visit no work mad been
done on board, and the Big vessel was as neat
and trim as any yacht. Ia honor OF the occasion
she was gay with bunting, with scores Of gay
flags futterng from each Of the four masls,
while an immense star-spanGled banner waved
from the lore truck.
TABEN ABOUT THE SHIP.
The visitors were taken in hand by Chief
Omcer TAYLOR, who fist showed them over the
slip and explained everything. That the boys
were eager 10 learn was eyitced 10y
tie manner in which they listened 10
The officer aud the scores Of eager ques
tjOnS they asked. Alter going over the
ship the boys were sta toned 81 the braces, and
tie Ushl va ds were swung as 10 lacking ship,
while TWO Of ,Be men were stationed az the
wheel
Inc VARIOUS orders issued we're obeyed Ga
slaCriy. and The Wo.k was greatly enjoy d.
Tie boys were lien sent alofL ana many OF
them mounted tp TIE skysail ya.ds as n!nlUy as
any old sail could have done. but IL was noticed
that Tie young sailors held on rather tightly, md
seemed 10 have a greet regard Tor the shrouds.
THE INEVITABLE TUG OF-WAR.
After The imprOmplu dnli lie men had some
fun ia a tug Oi-waT. ard then the members Of tie
company were Itied against The slips crew.
III re were eighteen men on each end Of he
rope, and VIXEN he Slsual was gwen the san
Francisco lads gained about TWO feet al The
jump, aud i looked Ike victory Tor he naval
battalion AT THIS instant Captain Bailey gave
& slIiI whistle aud tie BlUmrock's C ew struck
g =. "
aud with The long and sready pun Of practical
seamen walked away VIII Tie rope On spite Of
tie desperate struggles Of The boys In blue.
ROUsING CHEERS GIVEN.
The company was then formed in line aud
after three rousIng cheers for Captain Bailey
and his officers and ship marched back 10 the
srmoTy well pleased with me Visit. 10 the eV n
iuR &c again invaded aud captured lie Drum
rock, but this time REINFORCED by hundred fair
ladies'.
GERS Of the ship were not taken unawaTes. as the
visitors soon discovered. Hundreds OF gay
lanterns hung flom every part Of the ship, aud
down below tie spacious tween dechs bad been
Transformed Into splendid ballroom Gay
flags and Lanterns hung all arOuud the sides Oi
the vessel, and a good orchestra furnished music
10 the rains OF which the visitors danced for
several hours.
TAKEN QUITE BY SURPRISE.
CaptaiO Bailey was taken COmDl tely by sur
prise, but he warmly welcOmedIhls visitors, gave
them The freedom OF his ship and made every
we're made by Lieutenant Turner, commander Il
the company, Captain Poole u the Piedmont.
and by CAPTAIN Bailey, who spoke of the
growth OF the naval reserve 10 Great Britain
and gave the young sailors some eX-
ceIlent advice. dainty luncheon MAS
served al Il o'clock after which dancing was
resumed. The boys were loud In their praises
Of Captain BaHey's generosity and on leaving
gave three TOusng ch ers Tor tie splendid SLIP
and her gallant commander. Taken all through,
Il was by RAJ The best and most enjoyable affair
on board q ship 10 san francisco harbOr aud
vii be lOug remembered by those present.