Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-04-18


further into debt, but by outstanding its
resources.
SCENES AT FORTRESS MONROE
Between magnificent and powerful
man-of-war ships Of all nations, fine
looking brass-buttoned officials aud jOl-
II blue jackets, many beautiful and
richly srrayed women, that comforta-
BILE old harbor, Hampton Roads, is one
of the most interesting and attractive
spots for the time being OF any place on
the Continent. The novel and wonder
ful sights in the way OF marine archi-
lecture aud modern weapons of naval
warfare by day, supplemented by the
pleasures and gayieties on shore at
night, is all sufficient to attract che
multitudes now at Old Point Comfort.
The following extract from the New
York sun Of the gojngs-on there will
interest the many lady readers Of the
REGISTER:
The women had a high old time getting
TO the ships. The heavy steam cutters
which carried them out rolled and plunged
ike shallOps, and occasional waves broke
over the sides and sprinkled the fair faces
and pretty gowns. Getting from the cut
ters TO the gaugways that hung down the
sides OF the ships was the greatest fun. 1t
required three naval officers 70 get each
woman safely on the gangways. While
one steadied the lady on the cutters tail
rail, the others on the gangway seized her
and lifted her over the boiling water and
on 70 the stair landing. Then, IL she did
not run no the stairs with the greatest
speed, a Llg wave would surge up uuder
the open work Of the landing and christen
her little boots and pretty hosiery with
salt water.
The girls are nearly all wearing gilt
naval buttons as trophies. Not content
with fetching the ivOry-handled dirks that
the Russians wear, they have taken TO cut
ting buttons from the coats OF the sailors
OF both navies. The Russians wear silver
buttons. and these are the most coveted be-
cause they are fewer in number and can
only be gotten by girl who speaks board
ing-schoOl French. But that is as good
French as these Russians speak.
The above Is only a small part Of
what takes place during the day. The
arrival and departure Of mauy vessels
gaily decorated with bunting and
crowded with sight-seers; the constant
mannuevering OF the big and little
craft; firing OF national and inter
national salutes upon the arrival and
departure Of high officials OF both army
and navy, and extending the courtisies
which are due from one flag to another;
the boat racing, and feats OF skill in
seamauship, cunning and score Of
other things which accompany such
al unusual event; all unite in making
the round Of festivities and incidents
highly entertaining, and instructive.
In fact it is a luxurious and delightful
experience that but comparatively few
have the opportunity 20 indulge in,
and then the chance does not occur TO
many but once in life time. The de-
lghtful balmy weather which compares
with early June in this latitude, has
done much to enhance the enjoyment
Of the occasion.
At night the scene shifts from the
waters Of the finest harbor on the At
Iantic coast to the attractions on land.
During the latter part Of the last dog
watch, from TO s, ships gigs, cutters
and launches are busy taking the hand
somely epauletted,and uniformed officers
Of the several nationalities ashore.
Once there they make haste to the
hotels, all ablaze with electric lights and
crowded with lovely women in richest
Of toilets, and civilians in full dress,
all waiting to join in the routs, germans,
receptions aud tete-a-tetes, with var
ious and novel effects, that have been
pre-arranged during the day. Then, as
midnight approaches, comes the leave
taking, for it is rare occasion when
the ships officers are allowed to be on
shore after midnight such is the rigid
character OF naval discipline.
The sum thus describes the scene:
The leavetaking between the officers aud
the ladies Gt II every night is one OF the
striking institutions Of this place aud forms
q novel daily picture The bluecoats and
the gorgeously dressed women have been
dancing ia the ballroom, conversing in the
great parlors, walking along the halls, and
lingering in the alcOyes for three hours.
As II o'clock approaches the men begin 10
Ipull out their watches and 70 exhibit great
Nervousness. Gradually the great crowd
Aegins a slow pyement toward the roomy
ice Of the That room begins 10 I'LL
Aand 20 n the voices Of scores OF
AaRd WI some are talking In low,
ike 20 are hilarious and gay,
hers z On excitedly, trying
bur IS st parting. The