Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1892-09-01
THE OYSTER NAVY.
Fleet Review and Inspection Fir
ing at the Target.
ANNE ARUNDEL WINS THE PRIZE.


The inspection and review of the oys-
ter fleet at Bay Ridge yesterday, by Gen.
Seth. commander of the oyster navy In
the presence of State Treasurer Spencer
C. Jones and Comptroller Marion DeKalb
Smith. members of the Board OF Public
Works, was very satisfactory. The fleet
of ten vessels. with flags flying. presen-
ted an imposing sight as they lay peace
fully at anchor opposite the Ridge. AL
together the feet presented pretty ma
rine picture as the vessels lined up with
white sails. each prepared to do its best
In the display In the centre of the squad
ron the Daisy Archer, Captain Emile
Hartge, flew the pennant OF last years
victory in the boat race. carrying blue
flag with white arrow. Capt. Hartge
added to his laurels yesterday by winning
the silver cup for the best craftsmanship
in the target practice and he hopes also
to win the regatta to-day and retain the
pennant. He has an excellent crew,
composed of sailors and marksmen.
FIRING sALUTEs.
Gen Seth. commander of the oyster
navy, transferred his flag from the Me-
Lane TO the Governor Thomas, and reach
ed Bay Ridge in advance of the regular
flagship This was done so that all prepa
lions could be made for the review and
rifle practice. When the McLane arrived
at half-past IL the vessels comprising the
sailing fleet were lined up opposite Bay
Ridge. The steamer Thomas, on which
General Seth was temporarily quartered
saluted the McLane, with the members of
the board of public works aboard. The
sailing vessels fired gun from the deck
The State officials acknowledged the sa-
lutte by uncovering their heads. The whis-
| tie of heMcLane responded as the steamer
passed by and tied up at the wharf. The
| sloop Katie Hines being without can
non could not join in the salute, but
| Captain Oscar Hayden had his men for
ward, aud In true military style gave the
order to present arms, which was &C
| knowledged by the State officers and la
dies on board The incident was com
mented upon by those who witnessed 1t.
| D. l.. Crowder fired the salute on board
/ of the Governor Thomas. Chief Engin-
eer Richard Il. Knox of Baltimore, Is In
charge of the gun crew, but he was too
| i'll to be present. He was injured in the
recent railroad accident at Clifford's and
| Is unable to get out Mate Smith, OF the
| steamer, is also on the sick list. The
other members of the gun crew are Fire
man George II. Navy. John t. Adams
and j j. Sturgis.
THE INSPECTION.
The commander of the navy and the
board OF public works inspected the fleet
In the McLane yawl, the commander act
ing as coxswain. In coming out the cab
In OF the schooner Nelly Jackson Gen.
eral Seth received slight injury by the
sharp spear OF his helmet. penetrating
his head Hewas much pleased with the
display, as were also the comptroller and
treasurer. Another trial of the battal-
ion in the manual of arms and marching
was given and the companies acquitted
themselves creditably.
VERDICT or STATE OFFICIALS.
Comptroller Smith and Treasurer Jones
went tc Chestertown in the evening on
the State steamer. The two State officials
said they were gratified at the disply,
having found the force in good shape,
the boats in tolerably good condition and
the men well behaved, orderly and In
| irst rate condition to do effective ser
service when called upon by the State
Much credit is given to General Seth for
bringing the force to high point OF
proficiency and discipline.
CONDITION OF THE VESSELS.
Several OF the boats are said to be in
bad condition, including the sloop Katie
Hines, Captain Hayden This vessel
will probably be replaced in the Potomac
by the Bessie Jones. one of the new
boats. There is no uniformity In the
color OF the vessels, which are painted
| white and black. The new vessels are
painted white. All the boats of the fleet
were not inspected. but those requiring
repairs were carefully looked after.
Though the sloop May Compton was not
present, her crew took part in the drill.
The sloop Lucy Fletcher took the place
| of the absent boat
To-day was the most interesting con-
test of the review and inspection-that
of the race TO see which boat would re-
tain the pennant.