The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-03-31
THE ASSEMBLY OF SHIPS
PREPARATIONS FOR THE GREAT
EATIL RENDEZVOUS.
A Number of Vessels Already In Hampton
Roads and Others Arriving Every
Day-The Grand Display.

Earnest inquiry is being made from
all quarters concerning the naval rendez-
yous on the 18th of April. in Hampton
Roads. Yesterday the United States
eunboats Chicago, Atlanta, Charleston
and Concord, were lying in front OF the
Hygeia Hotel at Old Point, in gun-shot
distance from the shore.
Four or five other vessels are expected
there to-day from New York, with Rear
Admiral Gherardi in command, and the
number OF vessels will be largely in
creased by Sunday.
The peculiar reserve which has existed
among the naval officers already on hand
concerning the programme Of the rendez-
vous will no doubt be raised when Adj
miral Gherardi takes command or the
fleet.
The official courtesy which prevails in
the navy prevents any OF the officers not
in charge of the affair from imparting
any information, and all inquiries made
Of Admiral Walker and other command
ers met with very nOn-committdl replies.
II Is hoped however that as Admiral
Gherardi who has command OF the en-
tire fleet during the rendezvous, has prob
ably arrived on the scene, and VIII make
and immediate survey Of the anchorage
grounds that he will at once issue his
orders setting forth the details OF the
programme.
The passenger agents Of the Chesa-
peake and Ohio and the Norfolk and
Western railroads are among the anX-
ious ones hungry for inform1tiOn, in or
der TO know how TO run their special
for the accommodation of the large
crowds who will attend this very attrac-
tive display.
Captain J. c. Dame, who returned from
Old Point last evening, where he went
TO look after special arrangements for
handling the people the Chesapeake and
Ohio expects to carry says there Is every
indication OF an immense crowd
Permission has been granted by the
Secretary OF War for the erection OF
temporary structures on the reservation
during the rendezvous and extensive lunch
houses for the accommodation Of the
transient visitors will be built. Parties
AT Old Point have chartered the steamer
Louise from Baltimore, which is licensed
to carry 600 people. and she will be used
for carrying visitors on trips through
the fleet
The Chesapeake and Ohio will erect *
tensive retiring rooms for their pas
sengers at their depot at old Point, as
such accommodations are scarce and not
accessible 10 the ordinary visitors. The
Naval Rendezvous Association Of Norfolk
is arranging an attractive programme
aquatic contests, fireworks. and military
drils-which will be very attractive 0nd
add much interest 10 the rendezvous
There is already a big crowd at the Hyseia
Hotel and balls and elegant dressing
is the order of the day.
1t Is rumored with a strong degree OF
reason that the grand ball Of the rendez-
vous will be given on the upper floor OF
the new double-decked pier Of the Chesa-
peake and Ohio railway at Newport
News The floor space Of this structure
is 16Ox7cO feet. The Chesapeake and
Ohio will run sections to their regul1r
trains, which leave here for Old Point
at A. NJ. and returning leave Old
Point for Richmond at 4 and 7l5 p. VI.
TO accommodate the increase Of travel
and Will be enabled 10 run any number
Of trains, as the travel demands.
They will also run special trains for
the Richmond military and the West
moreland and Commonwealth Clubs. A
number OF Richmond newspaper men will
be given an excursion to Old Point Sui
day by the Chesapeake and Ohio rail-
/ Wa