The National tribune., 1892-09-29
THE OLD KEARsARGE.
Lively Times on Board the Model of the
Famous Warship.

Lively Times on Board the Model OF the
Famous Warship.
Probably the most unique feature of the
whole Eucampment was the reproduction OF
the old Kearsarge which lay at anchor of
Grand Army Place, and was put in commission
early in the week. northeast gale interfered
a good deal with the full swing Of balls and
receptions that were arranged for on the upper
decks but in spite of the bad weather all the
meetings that were held by the Jack Tars and
their friends were very enjoyable.
Crowds of visitors swsrmed mp the ladder
all day and all the evening. except when ad-
mission was by pass only, and the landubbers
were greatly pleased and surprised at what
they saw. while the old salts looked and
smiled in a superior way. Commodore Michael
proved an able seaman as well as most ex-
celent disciplnarian and matters were always
shipshape OH board the gallant craft.
On Wednesday morning the Vice President,
Secretary Tracy. and other distinguished visit
Ors came alongside. The marine guards fixed
bayonets and the drum sounded as they stepped
on the quarterback, while the guns sent forth
their salute amid the cheering of great crowd
and the waving of hats by the naval veterans.
The visitors were conducted by Commodore
Michael and Chairman Edison, of the Citizens
Committee, to 4 raised platform, where they
were welcomed by Capt. Hubert Winslow, son
of the Rear Admiral who commanded the
Kearsarge in the fight with the Alabama. The
Marine Band played Hail to the Chief" and
all the salts drew up in line and uncovered as
Commodore Michael presented the Vice-P Presi-
dent, who smilingly returned the enthusiastic
greeting. and introduced the orator of the day,
Secretary Tracy. The latter's speech dealt
mainly with the relation of the Navy to the
prosperity of the country. Capt Win5low,
Paymaster A. Smith. and Charles Cromley, of
Philadelphia, participated in the speech-mak
ing.
The salts who served on the North Atlantic
and Mississippi Squadrons paid a visit to the
ship on Thursday. In the morning at five
bells they came aboard, escorted by Commodore
Michael. Congressman Boutele soon arrived,
and although the prominent Naval officers who
were to follow did not appear, not being able
to weather the gale, Congressman Boutelle's
address came off on schedule time.
BOutele is an old sailor Of the Coast Squad
ron himself, and Commodore Michael paid the
member from the Pine Tree State an eloquent
tribute as gallant officer when the boat
swain's whistle had piped all hands aft to hear
the speaker. Boutelle had quite record as
one OF Uncle Sans sea warriors and the 500
veteran sailors who had registered on board
during the morning were highly entertained
by the orators description of the mobilization
and lightniDg-like building of the Navy which
guarded the coast 30 years ago. They cheered
and stamped and clapped their hands and gave
their shipmate warm reception. In con-
cusou the operations of the North Atlantic
Squadron were recited by Shipmate Boutelle,
who took part in them, and the Reunion of
that fleets guards was ended in a burst Of
cheers and handshaking.
The Mississippi Squadron held Reunion,
and the officers of the Naval Veterans Asso-
citation held levee In the evening. The Jacks
brought their wives and daughters aboard, a
ii
alongside and slowed away on the poop deck.
Boatswan Goodenough piped all hands to the
quarter and spar decks, and the exercises began.
Commodore Michael presented Judge Charles
Cowley. Judge Ad vocate of the North and
South Atlantic Squadrons, who told about the
Mississippi Flotilla a5 well az the Mississippi
Squadron. Commodore Michael told tho story
of the gunboats from Belmont to st. Charles in
q vivid and intensely interesting style. After
the speech making the visitors were introduced
to the officers of the National Association of
Naval Veterans; then in the broad stretch be-
tween spardeck and forecastle, the jolly tars
and their friends danced until the Boatswain
piped all ashore.
On Friday evening reception was rendered
the Citizens and Reunion Committees. There
was no set program. but all present enjoyed
immensely in inspecting the vessel
and listening to the music.
Commodore Michael, Serg't Montgomery, and
other gentlemen were untiring in their efforts
to see that no one was neglected, and in this
they were successful, and nothing but words
Of praise were heard for them. The ladies who
assisted in entertaining and receiving were:
Mrs. John w. Ross. Mrs. ]. w. Douglass, Mrs.
Wright Miss Clara Barton. Mrs. w. III. Michael,
and Mrs. Lowdermilk. A splendid lunch was
served.
The final event, and perhaps the most pleas
ant sOcially wa9 the one which tooEr niapa
Saturday night. The Naval Reunion Commit.
tee gave a reception in honor of the off,
GERS of the United States Navy and Marine
Corps. The Marine Band, on the forward deck,
rendered martial music, and uniformed tars
helped the ladies up the sides.
Commodore Michael, with Commander F.
w. Dickins, U. s. NJ, and Chief Engineer
Kirby, U. s. N, did the honors of the ship.
In the cabin below the receiving party stool
Mrs. Commander Dckins Mrs Senator Man
derson, Mrs. Michael, Miss Michael, Mrs John
McElroy, aud Mrs. Colonel Lowdermilk. The
cabin was handsomely furnished; models of
ships on the walls enhanced the Illusion and
there wore tasteful decorations in the way Of
flags and cut flowers, while punch bowls in
vited the thirsty.
Most of the evening the guests passed in
strolling the deck, whence there was fine
view of the tented field on Grand Army Place,
with its canvas roofs shining under the electric
lights. There was some fine music by the
Misses McManus, of Cincinnati whose whistling
Ias attracted no little praise in Washington,
md by Mr.. Edwin Forrest Carr, the we'll known
baritone. After the music the party descended
% the cabin for refreshments. The last hour
vas monopolized by the younger people aud
ew of their elders who found the smooth
leck a perfect dancing floor, and the Marine
Band waltzes as inspiring as in seasons gone.
Truly the naval veterans received the con-
liberation due them at this National Encamp-
Dent.
DouhJa-Ou;el R.cos